Dr. Irena Bergmann, ND

Dr. Irena Bergmann, ND I help women and couples by using Naturopathic fertility support and acupuncture to get pregnant.

With over 15 years of experience working with women in this field, I understand the struggles that couples go through when they are unable to conceive.

When you’re in the middle of a fertility journey, it’s easy for intimacy to become one more thing on the checklist — tim...
11/21/2025

When you’re in the middle of a fertility journey, it’s easy for intimacy to become one more thing on the checklist — timed, tracked, and tied to outcomes.

But intimacy isn’t just physical — it’s emotional, too. It’s about staying connected through uncertainty, showing up for each other when the process feels heavy, and remembering that you’re a team.

For many couples, the pressure of scheduled in*******se, lab results, and medical routines can make connection feel forced. That’s normal — and it doesn’t mean the spark is gone. It often just needs space to breathe again.

Small moments matter most: shared meals, laughter, a walk, a hug. Creating time that’s not about fertility can help rebuild emotional safety — and with that, physical connection often follows naturally.

You’re allowed to slow down, step back from the schedule, and focus on simply being together.
Because your relationship deserves as much care as the fertility process itself.

11/19/2025

When you’re navigating fertility care, it’s normal to have questions — or even doubts.
Maybe your treatment plan doesn’t feel aligned with your values, or you want clarity before moving forward.

At Pollin, we believe informed care is empowered care.
That’s why we offer second opinion appointments — a space to review your results, discuss your options, answer questions and help you feel confident in your next steps.

Your fertility journey deserves thoughtful, collaborative support.

Save this as a reminder that seeking another perspective is part of advocating for yourself.

When it comes to fertility, insulin often plays a bigger role than we realize.Insulin resistance occurs when cells becom...
11/17/2025

When it comes to fertility, insulin often plays a bigger role than we realize.

Insulin resistance occurs when cells become less responsive to insulin, leading to higher circulating insulin levels over time. This doesn’t just affect blood sugar, it influences hormone production, ovulation, and implantation.

In women, elevated insulin can increase ovarian androgen production and disrupt follicle development, contributing to irregular cycles or anovulation. In men, it can impair testosterone production and s***m quality.

The good news is that insulin resistance is modifiable.
Balanced nutrition, regular movement, and targeted nutrients (like myo-inositol and vitamin D) can all improve insulin sensitivity. Supporting more optimal hormone balance and reproductive outcomes.

Metabolic health is reproductive health. Addressing insulin resistance is one of the most evidence-based ways to support fertility from the ground up.

If you have made the decision to proceed with IVF, you’re probably also wondering what you should be doing to best prepa...
11/14/2025

If you have made the decision to proceed with IVF, you’re probably also wondering what you should be doing to best prepare. It can be very easy to go down the Google rabbit hole for information.

The truth is, while you can get a lot of information online, it is not specific for your individual needs.

If you have decided that IVF is next then take the opportunity to work with someone who can go through your fertility case and give you a personalized approach that would work best for you.

It’s not just about getting general information. It’s about having a step-by-step plan personalized for you to give you the best outcomes possible.

Book a free discovery call now to find out more about my IVF Personalized Preparation Plan.

“Just relax.”  Two words that somehow make you feel more stressed.Stress management isn’t about pretending you’re calm, ...
11/12/2025

“Just relax.” Two words that somehow make you feel more stressed.

Stress management isn’t about pretending you’re calm, it’s about helping your body feel safe again.

Chronic stress can affect everything from digestion and hormones to sleep and energy. But the goal isn’t zero stress, t’s learning how to shift your body out of “fight or flight” and into a calmer state more often.

That might look like a short walk between meetings, 5 minutes of breathing before bed, or finally saying no to what drains you.

It’s less about doing everything, and more about finding what actually works for you.

Save this post for the days you need a reminder that managing stress doesn’t have to be complicated, it just has to be consistent.

Gut health and endometriosis are more connected than most people realize.Research shows women with endometriosis often h...
11/10/2025

Gut health and endometriosis are more connected than most people realize.

Research shows women with endometriosis often have fewer beneficial gut bacteria and more pro-inflammatory strains, a pattern that can worsen inflammation, affect estrogen metabolism, and even influence pain levels.

Supporting the gut isn’t a cure, but it can be an important part of managing symptoms and inflammation.

Here are a few ways to start:

• Prioritize anti-inflammatory foods, think colorful vegetables, berries, flax, chia, and omega-3–rich fish.

• Limit inflammatory triggers like processed sugar, refined carbs, alcohol, and processed meats.

• Trial gluten or dairy elimination if you notice they worsen symptoms — not everyone benefits, but some do.

• Consider targeted probiotics (such as Lactobacillus gasseri, L. rhamnosus, or Bifidobacterium) to help rebalance the microbiome.

• Address stress, since the gut–brain axis plays a major role in both endo and digestive symptoms. Yoga, meditation, and acupuncture can support both.

• Key nutrients like omega-3s, curcumin, and resveratrol may help lower inflammation and support estrogen metabolism.

Gut-directed approaches won’t replace medical or surgical care, but they can complement it. Improving digestion, lowering pain, and supporting a healthier internal environment for long-term management.

If you’ve ever fallen off an exercise routine and told yourself you’d “start fresh Monday,” you’re not alone.Here's what...
11/07/2025

If you’ve ever fallen off an exercise routine and told yourself you’d “start fresh Monday,” you’re not alone.

Here's what I need you to know. Consistency with movement rarely comes from more discipline. It comes from less pressure.

When we stop viewing exercise as punishment for what we ate or didn’t do, and instead as something that supports energy, stress relief, and hormone balance, it becomes easier to show up... even in small ways.

It doesn’t have to be perfect or planned. A 10-minute walk between meetings. Stretching before bed. Dancing in your kitchen. It all counts.

Movement is medicine, but only when it’s sustainable.

What’s one small way you can move your body today that actually feels good?

We usually think of melatonin as the “sleep hormone,” but it also plays a critical role in fertility,  especially when i...
11/05/2025

We usually think of melatonin as the “sleep hormone,” but it also plays a critical role in fertility, especially when it comes to egg quality.

Melatonin acts as a powerful antioxidant within the ovarian follicles, helping reduce oxidative stress (a key factor that can damage eggs and impair their maturation).

Higher melatonin levels in follicular fluid have been linked to better fertilization and embryo quality and research suggests it improves mitochondrial function, ATP production, and reduces mitochondrial DNA damage. All of these support healthier embryo development.

In some IVF studies, women who supplemented with melatonin before their cycle saw:

• A higher proportion of mature eggs
• Improved fertilization rates
• Better embryo quality
• And in some cases, increased pregnancy rates

Melatonin isn’t right for everyone, and timing matters. So it’s important to speak with your healthcare provider before adding it in. But if you’re optimizing for egg quality or preparing for IVF, it’s a hormone worth knowing more about.

When we think about nutrients that support fertility, Vitamin D isn’t usually one of the first that comes to mind — but ...
11/03/2025

When we think about nutrients that support fertility, Vitamin D isn’t usually one of the first that comes to mind — but it should be.

Vitamin D acts more like a hormone than a vitamin, influencing everything from ovarian reserve and follicle development to s***m quality and implantation. Its receptors are found in the ovaries, endometrium, placenta, te**es, and s***m — showing just how directly it’s involved in reproductive function for both partners.

Deficiency is common (especially in northern climates or during the winter months) and has been linked with insulin resistance, lower AMH, and reduced s***m motility.

For fertility and early pregnancy, most reproductive endocrinologists recommend maintaining blood levels between 75–125 nmol/L.

If you haven’t had your Vitamin D tested recently, it’s worth checking — a simple blood test can help ensure you’re supplementing appropriately and supporting your fertility in one of the easiest ways possible.

IVF stimulation is no small thing — and if you’re feeling bloated, uncomfortable, or just off after retrieval, you’re no...
10/24/2025

IVF stimulation is no small thing — and if you’re feeling bloated, uncomfortable, or just off after retrieval, you’re not alone.

This phase asks a lot from your body. As estrogen levels climb and follicles grow, it’s common to experience shifts in fluid balance and digestion.

Nutrition is one way we can gently support your recovery. Hydration, fiber, and even something as simple as salty foods can help reduce discomfort and support hormone clearance.

If you’re navigating this part of the IVF journey and want to feel more prepared and supported — we can build that plan together.

📍Save this for later or reach out if you’d like support during your cycle.

Caffeine is one of those topics that always comes up in my office — and for good reason. Whether you're a daily coffee d...
10/22/2025

Caffeine is one of those topics that always comes up in my office — and for good reason. Whether you're a daily coffee drinker or love your afternoon matcha, it's natural to wonder how (or if) it’s impacting your fertility.

The truth is, it’s not always about quitting completely. It’s about knowing your limits, understanding what the research says, and making adjustments that support your body during this time.

Every person’s fertility journey is different, and that includes how caffeine might affect you. If you’re unsure where to start or feel overwhelmed by all the mixed messages, I’d love to help you sort through what’s actually helpful—for you.

📍Save this for your preconception prep—or reach out if you’re looking for personalized guidance along the way.

Conversations about alcohol and fertility can feel loaded—but they’re also incredibly important.Whether you’re just begi...
10/21/2025

Conversations about alcohol and fertility can feel loaded—but they’re also incredibly important.

Whether you’re just beginning your journey or preparing for a transfer, understanding how alcohol can impact egg quality, s***m health, and implantation helps you make empowered choices.

This doesn’t mean shame. It means support.

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer—but there is evidence we can lean on. And if you’re looking for someone to walk through that research with you and tailor it to your body, your goals, and your timeline—that’s exactly what I’m here for.

📍Save this post to come back to, or send me a DM if you want guidance on what to prioritize (and what might matter less) for your fertility plan.

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Aurora, ON

Opening Hours

Monday 12pm - 6pm
Tuesday 9am - 6pm
Thursday 10am - 6pm
Friday 10am - 3pm

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