31: The Fertility Factors Nobody Talks About with Rachel Corradetti Sargeant

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Episode Summary

In this eye-opening conversation, naturopathic doctor Rachel Corradetti-Sargeant takes us on her personal and professional fertility journey. From experiencing an ectopic pregnancy to discovering her own premature ovarian insufficiency, Rachel's path led her to become a fertility-focused naturopathic doctor at Conceive Health. She shares powerful insights about the often-overlooked aspects of fertility health—from the impact of environmental toxins to the crucial role of vitamin D. Rachel explains why fertility patients are "the ultimate bodybuilders" (they're literally building another human!) and why preconception planning deserves as much attention as wedding planning. This episode bridges the gap between conventional and naturopathic approaches to fertility, offering practical wisdom for anyone on their conception journey.

Key Takeaways

• Rachel's own fertility struggles with ectopic pregnancy and premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) shaped her specialized practice
• The 3-6 month preconception window is crucial yet often overlooked by couples eager to conceive
• Understanding your body's fertility signals (particularly cervical mucus changes) is more reliable than apps alone
• Sperm health is dramatically underemphasized but equally important as egg health
• Environmental toxins in everyday products significantly impact fertility outcomes
• Nearly all patients Rachel tests are vitamin D deficient, affecting both egg and sperm quality
• 75% of Rachel's patients have PCOS, which is frequently misunderstood as simply "cysts on ovaries"
• An integrated approach between conventional fertility treatments and naturopathic medicine provides optimal results

Chapters

1. 00:00-02:49 - Introduction to Pelvic Health and Fertility
2. 02:50-05:47 - Rachel's Journey into Naturopathic Medicine
3. 05:48-08:55 - Understanding Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI)
4. 08:56-12:10 - Why Preconception Planning Should Be Like Wedding Planning
5. 12:11-14:54 - The Underestimated Impact of Sperm Health
6. 14:55-17:50 - Decoding Your Body's Fertility Signals (Cervical Mucus & Basal Temperature)
7. 17:51-20:49 - Inside a Naturopathic Fertility Consultation
8. 20:50-26:07 - The Hidden Culprits: Environmental Toxins & Vitamin D Deficiency
9. 26:08-27:31 - Blood Sugar Control: The Fertility Factor You're Missing
10. 27:32-31:23 - PCOS Demystified: Beyond the Misleading Name
11. 31:24-34:36 - Advanced Fertility Support: When You've Been Trying for a While
12. 34:37-38:34 - The Integration of Naturopathic & Conventional Fertility Medicine
13. 38:35-41:57 - Three Essential Steps to Start Your Fertility Journey Today
14. 41:58-45:34 - Fertility Myths Busted: Pineapples, Marijuana & Lubricants
15. 45:35-48:14 - Rachel's Theme Song: "Started From the Bottom" & How to Connect

Memorable Quotes

• "We really should be preparing for our pregnancies like we prepare for our weddings." - Dr. Rachel on preconception planning
• "So much of that impact comes from the sperm." - On the overlooked male factor in fertility
• "You are the ultimate bodybuilders - you're literally growing a whole other human body!" - Dr. Rachel's unique perspective on fertility patients
• "I'm usually Dr. Killjoy for a lot of people. I just take away all their fun... for a short period of time so they can have more fun later." - On lifestyle modifications for fertility

Resources Mentioned

• Fertility Signs Masterclass: Available on Dr. Rachel's website to help women understand their body's fertility signals
• Free Email Series: Sign up on Dr. Rachel's website for information on the "pillars of preconception health"
• Conceive Health Clinic: Where Rachel practices, affiliated with fertility centers across Ontario
• TRIO Fertility Centers: Fertility clinics that partner with naturopathic doctors for integrated care
• Niagara Fertility Clinic: Where Rachel currently practices
• Fertility-Safe Lubricants: Mentioned as important for couples trying to conceive
• Ovulation Predictor Kits & Progesterone Testing Kits: Tools that can complement body awareness

Connect with Dr. Rachel Corradetti-Sargeant

• Instagram: @dr_rachel_nd
• Website: Sign up for her bimonthly newsletter featuring fertility research, recipes, and tips https://www.rachelcorradetti.com/
• Practice Location: Conceive Health at Niagara Fertility Clinic in Stoney Creek, Ontario

About Dr. Rachel

Rachel Corradetti-Sargeant is a naturopathic doctor specializing in fertility and preconception care. After experiencing her own fertility challenges including an ectopic pregnancy and discovering her premature ovarian insufficiency, she became passionate about helping others optimize their fertility health. Coming from a family where her grandmother and aunt also experienced early menopause, Rachel understands both the genetic and lifestyle factors that impact reproductive health. Her background in a family of bodybuilders gives her a unique perspective on fertility—seeing her patients as "the ultimate bodybuilders" who are creating an entirely new human being.