Restorative Reproductive Medicine FAQs

Restorative Reproductive Medicine (RRM) treats the root causes of infertility to restore natural fertility and enable natural conception, rather than suppressing symptoms or bypassing the reproductive system through assisted reproductive technologies.

RRM diagnoses and treats underlying reproductive conditions while IVF/IUI bypass these conditions. RRM uses thorough evaluation, surgical correction when needed, metabolic optimization, and cycle education to restore natural fertility rather than technological intervention.

RRM addresses endometriosis, PCOS, thyroid disorders, luteal dysfunction, recurrent miscarriage, male factor infertility, fibroids, polyps, and chronic endometritis through individualized cause-based treatment protocols that restore natural reproductive function.

NaProTECHNOLOGY is a medical approach using natural fertility cycles to diagnose and treat reproductive disorders. It relies on the Creighton Model charting system to track biomarkers like cervical mucus patterns, which reveal hormonal function and cycle health for targeted treatment timing.

Natural conception in RRM means conception through intercourse within a woman's reproductive system, rather than in a laboratory. RRM focuses on restoring couples' natural reproductive function to achieve this by treating underlying causes that prevent the natural process.

RRM is evidence-based through peer-reviewed studies including Stanford 2008, Tham 2012, Boyle 2025, and Sanchez-Mendez 2025, plus ongoing iNEST registry data collection. RRM clinicians follow established clinical guidelines while focusing on root cause treatment.

RRM approaches recurrent pregnancy loss through systematic evaluation of genetic, anatomic, endocrine, immune, and male factors, followed by targeted treatment based on evidence including progesterone support when indicated by PRISM trial data.

RRM uses CrMS cycle charting with Peak-referenced hormone testing (Peak+3/5/7/9/11), follicle ultrasound series, HSG/SIS imaging, and WHO 6th edition semen analysis. All testing timing is individualized based on each couple's observed cycle patterns rather than standardized schedules.

A first RRM consult includes thorough history for both partners, symptom mapping, fertility charting introduction, targeted diagnostic planning, and collaborative goal-setting with potential referrals to specialists.

RRM provides thorough male evaluation including semen analysis, hormonal assessment, and treatment of underlying causes like varicoceles, infections, and endocrine imbalances as an integral part of couple-centered fertility care.

Progesterone reduces miscarriage risk in women with prior losses or early bleeding, based on PRISM trial evidence. RRM clinicians use individualized monitoring rather than routine supplementation.

RRM screens for thyroid disease in fertility patients using individualized treatment thresholds. Evidence from TABLET and T4LIFE trials shows no fertility benefit from routine levothyroxine in TPO-positive patients with normal thyroid function.

Yes, letrozole is first-line for anovulatory PCOS per international guidelines. RRM combines letrozole with metabolic optimization for root cause treatment. Letrozole has better ovulation rates and lower twin risk than clomiphene citrate.

No religious requirement exists for Creighton Model, NaPro, or RRM care. These are evidence-based medical systems available to people of all faiths and backgrounds. Many secular health systems teach these methods. RRM focuses on medical education and treatment while respecting personal values in reproductive decisions.

Find an RRM clinician through the IIRRM provider directory or FertilityCare physician directory. Creighton Model teachers provide cycle charting training that supports medical treatment. Many practitioners offer telehealth options.

RRM costs vary by diagnosis, but many components are covered by standard health insurance because RRM treats diagnosed medical conditions using standard billing codes. IVF costs $15,000 to $30,000 per cycle, with most couples spending $40,000 to $60,000 total. A prospective cohort study found IVF costs 20 times more than medication-based fertility treatments.

Most insurance plans provide partial coverage for RRM diagnostic testing and surgical procedures, but coverage varies by plan. Diagnostic work and surgical treatments typically qualify for standard reproductive health benefits.

RRM treatment typically takes 6-18 months for fertility restoration, varying based on individual conditions, age, and treatment complexity. Timeline depends on addressing root causes rather than working around dysfunction.

RRM success rates vary by condition, showing crude live birth rates of 26-41% and adjusted cumulative rates of 50-62% in published studies. Success includes symptom resolution, cycle normalization, and natural conception rather than just pregnancy rates per procedure.

RRM and NaProTechnology remain relatively unknown because they challenge conventional medical approaches that prioritize suppressive treatments over root cause diagnosis and restoration. Medical education focuses on managing symptoms rather than treating underlying reproductive disorders.

The Creighton Model uses cervical mucus observations, Marquette Method combines mucus with electronic monitors, FEMM integrates mucus observation with medical management, and symptothermal uses multiple biomarkers including temperature and mucus together.

Infertility causes depression and anxiety rates comparable to cancer and heart disease patients. The monthly cycle of hope and loss, treatment uncertainty, and social isolation compound psychological distress.

Fertility does decline with age, but the "cliff at 35" oversimplifies a gradual process. Many fertility challenges attributed to age are actually undiagnosed reproductive health conditions that respond well to cause-based treatment.

RRM evaluates luteal phase deficiency through cycle tracking and hormone analysis to find root causes like thyroid or prolactin issues, then treats the underlying problem rather than defaulting immediately to progesterone supplementation.

RRM tests for specific nutritional deficiencies before recommending supplements. Evidence supports CoQ10 for egg/sperm quality, vitamin D for hormone function, methylated folate for MTHFR variants, and omega-3s for inflammation. Supplements support natural fertility when deficiencies exist but do not replace proper diagnosis.