What to Expect When Working with a Naturopathic Physician During Your IVF Cycle in Victoria, BC

By Dr. Meghan van Drimmelen, ND

If you are preparing for or currently undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF), it’s natural to want to do everything possible to support a healthy, successful outcome. Many patients in Victoria, BC are turning to naturopathic medicine for personalized, evidence-informed support alongside their fertility clinic care.

At Juniper Family Health, integrative reproductive care is grounded in collaboration, science, and whole-person health. Dr. Meghan van Drimmelen has been supporting patients in the field of integrative reproductive health since 2012 and is a proud member of the Canadian Fertility and Andrology Society. She works closely with fertility clinics and healthcare providers to ensure safe, coordinated, and effective care.

Below is a question-and-answer guide to help you understand what working with a naturopathic physician during your IVF journey may look like—including controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH), egg retrieval, and fresh and frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycles.

Is naturopathic care a replacement for IVF treatment?

No—naturopathic care is designed to complement, not replace, conventional fertility treatment. The goal is to optimize your overall health and support key factors that influence IVF outcomes, while working in collaboration with your fertility clinic.

How can a naturopathic physician support IVF outcomes?

Care is tailored to your individual needs and strategically timed alongside your IVF protocol. Key areas of focus include:

• Supporting egg and sperm quality

• Optimizing metabolic and hormonal health

• Enhancing endometrial environment and receptivity

• Reducing stress and supporting nervous system regulation

Treatment plans may include evidence-based supplementation, diet and lifestyle strategies, acupuncture, and targeted nutrient testing.

What support is available for egg and sperm quality before egg retrieval?

The 3 months leading up to your IVF cycle—especially prior to egg retrieval—are a critical window for supporting egg and sperm development.

Naturopathic care may focus on:

• Nutrient optimization

• Reducing oxidative stress and inflammation

• Supporting mitochondrial energy production

• Improving metabolic and hormonal balance

• Addressing lifestyle factors that impact fertility

  
  

Because egg and sperm development occurs over approximately 90 days, early preparation can play an important role in optimizing outcomes.

How is metabolic health supported during IVF?

Naturopathic care focuses on identifying and addressing the root contributors to metabolic imbalance in a personalized and evidence-informed way.

This may include:

• Supporting blood sugar regulation and improving insulin sensitivity through targeted nutrition and lifestyle strategies

• Assessing and optimizing thyroid function, which plays a key role in metabolism and fertility

• Reducing systemic inflammation through diet, supplementation, and lifestyle interventions

By addressing these factors, naturopathic care helps create a more stable, responsive internal environment—supporting both egg retrieval and embryo transfer phases of IVF.

How is the uterine environment supported during a frozen embryo transfer (FET)?

During a frozen embryo transfer cycle, the focus shifts to optimizing implantation and endometrial receptivity.

Support may include:

• Improving endometrial thickness and blood flow

• Supporting immune and inflammatory balance

• Addressing the uterine microbiome

• Regulating the nervous system

This phase is carefully timed to align with your FET protocol to help create the most receptive environment possible.

What role do diet and lifestyle play in IVF success?

Diet and lifestyle are foundational to reproductive health.

You can expect guidance on:

• Anti-inflammatory, fertility-supportive nutrition

• Blood sugar balance

• Sleep optimization

• Movement and exercise

• Stress management

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In many cases, small, consistent changes can positively influence hormone regulation, egg and sperm quality, and implantation outcomes.

Are supplements recommended during IVF?

Supplementation is highly individualized and based on your specific needs.

This may include:

• Evidence-based supplements tailored to your diagnosis and IVF protocol

• Nutrient testing to identify deficiencies

• Adjustments depending on stage of IVF protocol

The focus is on using targeted, research-informed interventions while avoiding unnecessary or potentially conflicting supplements.

How does acupuncture support IVF and FET cycles?

Acupuncture is one of the most commonly used complementary therapies during IVF.

It may help:

• Improve blood flow to the ovaries and uterus

• Support hormonal regulation

• Reduce stress and anxiety

  
  

Acupuncture is often used before and during ovarian stimulation, as well as around the time of embryo transfer. It is always used as a supportive therapy alongside medical treatment—not as a replacement.

Is emotional support part of naturopathic care?

Yes. IVF can be physically and emotionally demanding, and having additional support can make a meaningful difference.

Naturopathic care often includes:

• Ongoing education and guidance

• Stress reduction techniques

• Support for emotional wellbeing

Many patients find this integrative approach helps them feel more supported and grounded throughout their fertility journey.

Is naturopathic care covered by extended health benefits?

In many cases, yes. Most extended health benefit plans in British Columbia include coverage for naturopathic services.

• Naturopathic consultations and acupuncture appointments are typically billed under your naturopathic coverage or your health spending account. 

• Laboratory testing may be covered, depending on your individual insurance plan.

• Direct billing for naturopathic visits and acupuncture is offered at Juniper Family Health for many insurance providers.

  
  

We recommend checking with your insurance provider to understand the details of your specific plan.

What makes this approach different?

Naturopathic fertility care takes a whole-person approach, recognizing that reproductive health is interconnected with many systems in the body.

Working with Dr. Meghan van Drimmelen, ND includes:

• Personalized, evidence-informed care

• Collaboration with your fertility clinic and healthcare team

• A focus on both immediate IVF outcomes and long-term health

  
  

Whether you are preparing for an egg retrieval cycle or planning a frozen embryo transfer, this integrative approach is designed to support your best possible outcomes.

How can I get started?

If you are undergoing IVF in Victoria, BC and are looking for a collaborative, evidence-based approach to support your fertility, naturopathic care can be a valuable addition to your care team.

To book a consultation, book online here or contact us to speak with one of our knowledgeable patient care coordinators. 

This article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare team regarding your individual care.