06. Why IVF Shouldn’t Be the First Step: Root Cause Fertility Strategies for Practitioners

Functionally Speaking

Why are so many women jumping straight to IVF without getting real answers first?

In this episode of the Functionally Speaking podcast, we’re having a real (and probably long overdue) conversation about fertility, IVF, and the frustrating lack of root cause care in the conventional system. We’re not anti-IVF but we are pro-informed choice, and that starts with asking better questions and refusing to settle for “just try again.”

This episode isn’t just for women navigating fertility—it’s also for practitioners who want to better support their clients and patients with informed, root-cause–driven care.

If you’ve been feeling let down, dismissed, or confused by the current fertility care system, this episode is for you.

In this episode, we cover:

• 01:31 Our hot take on IVF and insurance
• 02:41 Why miscarriage care is so clinical and so emotionally isolating
• 04:15 The grief no one prepares you for in the IVF process
• 05:32 Why foundational care still matters (even with fertility treatments)
• 10:19 Endometriosis, inflammation, and the gut-fertility connection
• 14:24 The missing piece in the fertility conversation: men
• 19:40 Stress, burnout, and how they impact ovulation and hormone balance
• 28:12 Our conclusion: it always comes back to the basics

Links and resources:

• Fertility Awareness + Pregnancy Prep Masterclass: https://empoweredmb.teachable.com/p/pregnancyprep
• Real Food for Fertility by Lily Nichols: https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/208089588-real-food-for-fertility

Connect with Unconventional Collaborative:

Join Us: https://unconventional-collaborative.mn.co/

Website: unconventionalcollaborative.com

Instagram: instagram.com/unconventional.collaborative

Connect with Laura Ligos:

Website: https://thesassydietitian.com

Instagram: instagram.com/thesassydietitian

Connect with Danielle Kepics:

Website: https://www.empoweredmindbody.co

Instagram: instagram.com/danielle.kepics

The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you heard on this podcast.

The content shared by Unconventional Collaborative is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.

Additionally, health coaches, fitness professionals, clinicians, and other practitioners are solely responsible for how they interpret and apply the information shared. Practitioners are expected to use their professional judgment and remain within the legal and ethical scope of their individual certification, licensure, or credentialing body. If there is any uncertainty about what falls within your professional scope of practice, it is your responsibility to consult with your licensing board, certifying organization, or regulatory authority.