Commentary On Infertility and Restorative Reproductive Medicine

In 1972,  a seminal article was published demonstrating that women, adequately trained, could detect the approach of ovulation in the fertile window of their menstrual cycle.  It was demonstrated that the symptoms perceived by women at the vulva correlate closely with changes in steroid hormone levels associated with folliculogenesis and the luteal phase. The fertility charting performed by women trained to recognize vulvar symptoms associated with hormonal changes serves as an instrument for detecting potential pathologies and monitoring the effects of treatment These findings established the biological foundations of a tool of fertility awareness tracking that has facilitated the development of restorative reproductive medicine (RRM): an approach that can be applied to identify and treat the underlying causes of infertility/subfertility. Several core characteristics—or foundational pillars—of the RRM approach to fertility can be identified. These include: a commitment to respecting healthy physiological processes, comprehensive health care for both the couple and the potential embryo, and the provision of education and continuous support throughout the therapeutic process. This commentary aims to elucidate the interplay of these foundational pillars by drawing upon evidence from peer-reviewed biomedical literature. Finally, the challenges faced by RRM in strengthening its scientific foundations, engaging with the broader scientific community, and promoting the dissemination of this approach are described.