Struggling to start a family? You’re not alone. For many couples, infertility can feel like an overwhelming roadblock. But did you know that there are several key steps in the pregnancy process that could be causing issues? From the release of an egg (ovulation) to sperm successfully fertilising it, and even how that fertilised egg moves through the fallopian tube to implant in the uterus—all of these steps need to line up perfectly. If one of them falters, it can make conceiving that much harder. But the good news? There are solutions, and we’re here to help you explore them! How Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) reduces fertility
Ever heard of PCOS? It’s more common than you think! Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the leading causes of fertility challenges in women today. Essentially, it’s a hormonal imbalance where the body produces too many male hormones, throwing off normal ovulation. This hormonal hiccup is linked to the presence of multiple small cysts on the ovaries, but here’s the frustrating part—no one really knows what causes PCOS, though it does seem to run in families.Symptoms to watch out for:- Irregular or no periods (some cycles might drag on longer than 28 days)
- Acne flare-ups
- Extra hair where you don’t want it (face and body)
- Struggling to lose weight or sudden weight gain
- Thinning hair on the scalp
- Fertility challenges
- Feeling down or dealing with depression
Though PCOS can feel overwhelming, understanding it is the first step in managing it—and taking back control. The Jacksonville Centre for Reproductive Medicine (JCRM) takes a holistic approach
Dr. Michael Fox, Medical Director at JCRM, specialises in fertility treatment, focusing primarily on Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) and insulin resistance, both of which can significantly impact fertility—particularly during pregnancy. His goal is to uncover the root metabolic issues contributing to infertility and provide targeted solutions. The Centre’s holistic approach considers not just the medical aspects, but also the social and psychological challenges that come with infertility. Their primary aim? To enhance fertility outcomes using the most effective, yet affordable, treatments available. While they strive for the least invasive methods, they also offer in vitro fertilisation (IVF) and other fertility treatments for those needing more advanced assistance.IVF, one of the most well-known assisted reproductive technologies (ART), is often recommended for women facing difficulty in conceiving. The process involves extracting eggs from a woman’s ovaries, fertilising them with sperm, and reinserting the fertilised egg into the uterus. While IVF is a widely-used technique, it comes with challenges—it’s invasive, costly, time-consuming, and offers only about a 50% chance of success. Additionally, potential side effects include a higher likelihood of multiple pregnancies, which poses its own set of risks.
LCHF diet: the natural way to restore a healthy metabolism
After facing these fertility challenges firsthand, Dr. Michael Fox set out to find a less invasive, more natural way to help his patients conceive. While it’s long been understood that good nutrition plays a vital role in pregnancy health, Dr. Fox realised that diet could also be a key factor in helping women fall pregnant. With insulin elevation often linked to ovulation disorders, he explored how nutrition—specifically a low-carb, high-fat (LCHF) diet—could help reduce insulin and boost fertility.Dr. Fox’s approach has transformed the lives of many patients who had been struggling with infertility for years, often due to conditions like PCOS. Many of these women, after following his strict low-carb guidelines, were able to conceive within just one or two cycles. He advises them to reduce their daily carbohydrate intake as much as possible, noting that the fewer carbs consumed, the more stable the body’s metabolic state becomes.But it’s not just about cutting carbs. Dr. Fox emphasises that patients must also increase their intake of healthy fats—like butter, cream, hard cheeses, homemade mayonnaise, pork, and olive oil. This addition of fats helps patients feel full and satisfied, preventing them from over-consuming protein, which can disrupt the balance of their diet. As Dr. Fox explains, “Fat is a longer-lasting fuel source, and balancing the diet this way is essential for success.”Although he champions the LCHF diet over invasive treatments like IVF, Dr. Fox does acknowledge that pairing this nutritional approach with fertility medications can enhance its effectiveness.It’s worth noting that Metformin, a drug typically used for managing blood sugar, has been found to assist in treating infertility. However, it’s not classified as a fertility drug and is used off-label when prescribed for this purpose.
Excellent results for low-carb pregnancies
Since placing more emphasis on the metabolic and nutritional aspects of PCOS and insulin resistance, Fox and his team have found that their centre’s fertility rates have more than doubled as a result of the prescribed LCHF diet.
Remarkably, their successful low-carb pregnancies have surpassed the thousands mark, while the number of patients who use the IVF method has significantly reduced.From a clinical perspective, Fox reports no negative consequences of this treatment. Rather, he has found the opposite, that the typical adverse pregnancy symptoms, such as nausea, cravings, low weight gain and other complications, are reported to be less on the LCHF diet.The evidence to support this approach lies in the happy success stories and thank you letters shared by former patients on the JCRM website (see
here.) Most have gone through the emotional process of struggling to fall pregnant, have discovered they have PCOS, experienced the psychological trauma of failed pregnancies, and so on. But by following the JCRM’s metabolic approach to treating infertility, the majority of couples have walked away from the process with a healthy baby in their arms. Here is one such heartwarming experience:
“After two years of trying to get pregnant, I was finally diagnosed with PCOS by my OBGYN. Along with that diagnosis, I was also told that if I did get pregnant, the baby probably wouldn’t make it because of how much body fat I had. I was upset and angry. Someone mentioned to me that Dr. Lipari [a colleague of Dr. Fox] and the staff at JCRM might be able to help us. Our first appointment was filled with hope and excitement. Finally, a doctor that wanted to help me and understood my diagnosis. After the diagnostic work and going on the LCHF diet, I lost 60 lbs and found out we had spontaneously gotten pregnant on our own. The care and love we got from Dr. Lipari, and the whole staff, was wonderful. We welcomed our son Lucas in 2009. In 2014, we were having troubles getting pregnant again. So back to Dr. Lipari we went. After five months, I was pregnant again. Our son Taylor was born in 2015. We love everyone at JCRM and know that without Dr. Lipari and the staff, we wouldn’t have our beautiful children we do today.”Consider LCHF / Banting / Keto, but consult your health practitioner
If you’re under 35 and have been trying to conceive for over a year without success, it might be time to consider a low-carb, high-fat (LCHF) diet. Many have found that reducing carbs and increasing healthy fats can support fertility. But, before making any big changes, it’s always a good idea to check with your healthcare provider.Once you’ve got the green light, we’re here to support you! Join our Online Course to get the guidance you need on your journey to better health and fertility. 
