The evidence supporting my approach
My coaching approach is informed by research showing that lifestyle, psychological support and behaviour-change interventions can positively influence fertility-related health and wellbeing.
Below is a snapshot of the recent studies that provide the evidence that shape how I work:
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What was explored
This review examined how modifiable lifestyle factors, such as nutrition, body composition, physical activity, stress, smoking and alcohol intake, influence natural fertility and reproductive health.What the research found
Consistent evidence showed that poor dietary patterns, metabolic imbalance, extremes of body weight, smoking and high alcohol intake were associated with reduced fertility. In contrast, balanced nutrition, healthy body composition and regular moderate physical activity were linked to improved reproductive outcomes.Why this matters for you
Lifestyle optimisation before conception can meaningfully support reproductive health. Coaching can help women make realistic, sustainable changes that support fertility alongside medical care.Source - Donato, M. L., et al. (2024). The role of lifestyle intervention in female fertility: A focus on natural conception. Nutrients, 17(13), 2101.
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What was explored
This randomised controlled trial investigated whether a structured fertility coaching programme could reduce perceived stress in women undergoing assisted reproductive treatment.What the research found
Women who participated in a fertility coaching programme reported significantly lower stress levels compared with those receiving standard care alone. Emotional support and coping strategies played a key role.Why this matters for you
High stress is common during fertility treatment. Coaching provides structured emotional support, helping women feel more resilient, supported and engaged throughout treatment.Source
Hassanzadeh Bashtian, M., et al. (2022). The effect of infertility coach program on the level of perceived stress of women under treatment with assisted reproductive techniques: A randomized controlled clinical trial. Journal of Education and Health Promotion, 11, 238.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10477300/ -
What was explored
This narrative review assessed how lifestyle behaviours, including nutrition, physical activity, stress, smoking, alcohol consumption and environmental exposures, affect fertility and reproductive health in both women and men.Sharma, R., Biedenharn, K. R., Fedor, J. M., & Agarwal, A. (2013). Lifestyle factors and reproductive health: Taking control of your fertility. Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology, 11, 66.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3717046/What the research found
Strong evidence linked unhealthy lifestyle factors, such as chronic stress, poor diet, smoking and excessive alcohol intake, with reduced fertility. Healthier lifestyle behaviours were consistently associated with improved reproductive outcomes.Why this matters for you
Fertility is influenced by whole-person health. Coaching supports individuals and couples to take an active role in optimising their reproductive health alongside clinical treatment. -
What was explored
This review examined whether psychosocial interventions, including counselling, emotional support and stress-management programmes, influence fertility-related distress and pregnancy outcomes.What the research found
Psychosocial interventions were associated with reductions in anxiety and infertility-related distress. Some studies also reported improved pregnancy rates compared with standard care alone.Why this matters for you
Emotional wellbeing matters. Coaching provides a safe, structured space to process the emotional impact of infertility while supporting coping strategies and confidence.Source - Frederiksen, Y., Farver-Vestergaard, I., Skovgård, N. G., Ingerslev, H. J., & Zachariae, R. (2015). Efficacy of psychosocial interventions for psychological and pregnancy outcomes in infertile women and men: A systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ Open, 5(1), e006592.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4316425/
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What was explored
This meta-analysis evaluated the impact of psychological interventions on infertility-related distress and conception rates.What the research found
Psychological support consistently reduced infertility-related distress. In some groups, participation was also associated with improved pregnancy rates, highlighting the value of emotional care during fertility treatment.Why this matters for you
Supporting emotional wellbeing is not an “extra”, it is a core part of fertility care. Coaching complements medical pathways by addressing the psychological and behavioural aspects of the fertility journey.Source: Dubé, S., Sharma, R., & Agarwal, A. (2023).
Psychological interventions for infertility-related distress and pregnancy rates: A meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.
Human Reproduction Update, 29(1), 1–18.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36191078/
“Modifiable lifestyle behaviours play a meaningful role in natural female fertility.”
“Supportive coaching interventions can significantly reduce stress for women undergoing fertility treatment.”
“Women who received infertility coaching alongside medical treatment experienced lower levels of stress compared with standard care alone.”