Why IVF Isn’t Fixing the Fertility Crisis (and What Actually Will) Dr. Ann Shippy

Fertility struggles are often treated as a problem to solve only after they appear. But what if they’re actually a signal from the body that something deeper needs attention? On this episode of The Dr. Hyman Show, I sit down with functional medicine physician Dr. Ann Shippy, author of The Preconception Revolution, to talk about why the months—even years—before conception may shape not only your health, but your future child’s long-term health as well. Watch the full conversation on YouTube or listen wherever you get your podcasts. In this conversation, we explore: • What fertility challenges may be signaling about your health, and why infertility may be the body’s “check engine light” • Why the 3–36 month preconception window can shape fertility, pregnancy outcomes, and your child’s long-term health • How just three weeks of ultra-processed food can change sperm quality, and what that reveals about fertility • What couples can start doing now to improve fertility, from strengthening metabolic health to reducing toxic exposures • How preparing your body before pregnancy may reduce your child’s risk of chronic disease later in life Preparing for pregnancy isn’t just about fertility. Many of the factors that influence fertility are within your control, and your body often responds in remarkable ways. View Show Notes From This Episode Get Free Weekly Health Tips from Dr. Hyman Sign Up for Dr. Hyman’s Weekly Longevity Journal Join the 10-Day Detox to Reset Your Health Join the Hyman Hive for Expert Support and Real Results This episode is brought to you by Qualia, Fatty15, Sunlighten, Palleovalley, Pique and BIOptimizers. Go to qualialife.com/hyman and use code HYMAN at checkout for an extra 15% off. Visit fatty15.com/hyman and use code HYMAN to save an extra 15% on a 90-day subscription. Visit sunlighten.com and use code HYMAN to save up to $1400. Head to paleovalley.com and use code HYMAN20 for 20% off your first order. Secure 20% off your order plus a free starter kit at piquelife.com/hyman. Head to bioptimizers.com/hyman and use promo code HYMAN at checkout to save 15%. (0:00) Introduction to fertility issues and Dr. Hyman's personal health journey (3:48) The Preconception Revolution and the current fertility crisis (7:03) Dr. Ann Shippy's career and personal health journey (9:18) The functional medicine approach to fertility and conception (11:01) Biological vs. chronological age and older women conceiving (13:02) Sperm quality, infertility signals, and lifestyle changes (17:07) Strategies for preconception health and diet's role in fertility (22:05) Environmental toxins, endocrine disruptors, and detoxification (26:13) Supplements and patient examples in enhancing fertility (33:02) Neurodevelopmental issues in children and foundational health for fertility (37:37) Postpartum recovery and reducing toxin exposure (38:30) Tests and biomarkers for assessing fertility (43:02) Addressing autoimmune issues to improve fertility (48:52) NAD's role in longevity and reproductive health (52:02) The impact of stress and stress management on fertility (56:43) Holistic fertility treatments and the importance of neurofeedback (59:27) Introduction to Food Fix Uncensored and engagement strategies (1:01:46) Acknowledgment of sponsors and closing remarks

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Why IVF Isn’t Fixing the Fertility Crisis (and What Actually Will) Dr. Ann Shippy is an episode from The Doctor's Farmacy with Mark Hyman, M.D. by Dr. Mark Hyman.

This episode is 65:27 long.

This episode was published on Mar 11, 2026.

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