Male factor infertility plays a crucial role in a couple’s ability to conceive, yet conventional medicine often overlooks male-related issues, with the female partner typically seeking treatment. Many men undergo semen analysis, but if the results are suboptimal, couples are often referred for IVF without further investigation into the man’s health. Even with normal semen parameters, male infertility may still be present, contributing to 40-50% of infertility cases. Factors like low sperm count, reduced motility, and abnormal morphology can affect the chances of pregnancy.
Shift Natural fertility specialists take a comprehensive, holistic approach to support and enhance reproductive health in men, using personalised strategies to help optimise the quality of sperm and improve the likelihood of conception. Our treatments are evidence based, specific and usually very effective.
Megan Usher2024-03-27Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I can’t speak highly enough of Katherine and her team. Since my husband and I have been seeing Katherine, our physical and mental health has rapidly improved. Which has impacted our relationships and the general mood of our household. I have personally seen many doctors for my symptoms, but it wasn’t until I started to see Katherine that I truly began to understand my body and start the healing process. I have experienced a dramatic improvement after taking the herbal medicines. My husband had been told by every doctor and specialist that he was totally healthy, and yet he was severely struggling with his symptoms. Katherine was able to identify the reasons for his symptoms very quickly, and he too has experienced a big improvement. I know we still have a way to go, and changing habits can take time. But we are so grateful to have found the Shift Clinic and to finally feel like we are getting somewhere with our health. Katherine’s podcast ‘The Shift with Katherine Maslen’ is also an eye opener and very informative! I have learned so much about the women’s body through listening. Di Bailey2024-01-29Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My daughter referred me to Vanessa Coben as I was experiencing gut issues and was unable to detect or remedy my problems. Vanessa advised me to take on challenges in gut testing and bloods to determine the direction I needed. Vanessa's regular appointments, diagnosis and herbal formulas have exhalted my confidence in a healthy gut. Vanessa is professional, caring, understanding and a very gentle soul. I recommend her to anyone experiencing same problems as I had. I also recommend Shift at Brisbane Natural Health as their staff and administration are warm and friendly inviting a welcoming atmosphere to clients. All the best to everyone at Shift. Michon van Staden2024-01-12Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Katherine and the team at The Shift Clinic were super supportive, friendly and welcoming. After 6 months of treatment with Katherine, my energy is back and my immunity is stronger! Vicki Machan2023-10-22Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I stumbled across Katherine Maslen and her aptly named Shift Clinic through a podcast by Shelly Craft of The Aging Project. Katherine spoke with passion about gut health, which was an area I have struggled with for over a decade. I looked her up and booked an appointment for an assessment and couldn’t get there fast enough ! I was excited and confident that this time I was going to see a change. I wasn’t wrong. The most amazing thing about the Shift Clinic is their team, who are embracing and supportive and work as a collaborative unit. I was ‘project managed’ through months of healing, both physically and holistically. I was introduced to a form of ‘therapy’ I’d never even considered when I met Jess, the clinics Intuitive Healer, who helped me unpack and resolve some personal issues that were roadblocking my emotional progression forward. This complemented my gut healing progress that was being managed so well by both Katherine and Vanessa. I would never have found Jess if not for Katherine, or entertained the idea of something so ‘left field’ for me. The whole experience of being with Shift has been healing, nurturing and uplifting. I’ve progressed on a physical and spiritual level, they’ve educated me on myself, and the team are now an integral part of my life I won’t be leaving behind. I enjoy immersing myself in the tranquility of the clinic, the genuine warmth of the girls at reception when I arrive, the soft music, the herbal tea brewing. It’s like a big, warm hug. I can’t thank them enough or recommend them to enough people. They have changed my life ! Nicole Ann2023-07-28Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. There probably isn't enough space to write the long review that Katherine and the whole team at The Shift Clinic truly deserve but I'll start with this. You saved my life. Words will never be enough to express how grateful myself and my family are for the journey that I continue to be on with my healing and growth. The Shift membership is one of the best health models on offer in the world and when things were incredibly dark at my lowest, I was able to receive the help needed from all of my practitioners at the clinic who all knew my history at every appointment without having to continually tell my story from the beginning. It is so beneficial as a patient that all of you work together to heal people. Not only have you all helped lead me towards the light of health, you've been giving me the tools needed to understand how to grow and heal myself. The added bonus I wasn't expecting is how I'm now healing my own home too. The work you all do is changing lives. Thank you for changing mine. I am eternally grateful. Xx Steven Creevey2023-04-18Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I started seeing Shift during the Covid pandemic and I was struggling with my overall health. I found the team to be very supportive and focused on the job of assessment, ongoing regular support and providing me with the best supplements and advice for my various health challenges. Thank you Shift and Vanessa for all of your help and guidance. Brendan Vasen2022-12-09Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Katherine is wonderful and helped me get on the right track with my diet and healthy eating definitely Recommend Izzy Tanzer2022-12-05Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I couldn’t recommend The Shift clinic and especially Dr Vanessa. After being diagnosed with an auto-immune disease my body felt like it was crashing and I needed help. I would not be where I am today without the help from Dr Vanessa and the knowledge she has passed onto me. She made the process easier and was always there for support when I needed it. The clinic is such a beautiful space and you feel calm as soon as you walk in. The receptionists were always so lovely and helpful and explained the membership process easily. Thank you so much Shift Team x Cath 712022-07-04Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. It would be fair to say that the last two years, in particular, have been a challenge for me personally. After battling with any number of illnesses over a long period of time, my partner of six years entered a period of rapidly declining health and was deemed a multimorbidity patient. As a result, our planned wedding happened much quicker than expected & I gave up my job to become his full-time carer before he passed away. During his decline my sole focus was him, in some ways to the detriment of my own health and whilst I acknowledge that grief played a major part in some of my weight gain, I also know that I’d developed bad habits over many years; snacking, emotional eating, convenience eating, living a mostly sedentary lifestyle to name just a few. If the loss of my husband taught me anything it is that life is too short and that our health matters! I needed to find something to help me rediscover joy in my life and to help me feel like my old self again. Following a personal recommendation and some google research of my own I came across The Shift Clinic. Having always been an advocate of natural therapies I thought this could be just what I needed to help me find my way back to lightness – physically and emotionally. I joined the 8-week weight loss challenge and I’ve not looked back. My appointments with Hypnotherapist, Rebecca and Naturopath & Nutritionist, Carolyn have provided me with the tools to; identify self-sabotaging behaviours, acknowledge all parts of me, start small, set realistic and achievable goals, feel supported, get back up when I fall, move – even if it’s only for 10 mins at a time, celebrate small wins, stick to the plan and remember that anything is possible. 8-weeks down the track I’m just under 10kg lighter physically. I’ve still got more weight to lose but for the first time in a long time, I know I’ll achieve it because the biggest ‘shift’ for me has been in how I think and how I feel, the routines & rituals I’ve put in place and the way I speak to myself. The Shift Clinic really can help you ‘shift’ you just have to be willing to let it.
At Shift Brisbane fertility clinic we can order many different tests to assess the possible reasons behing infertility.
Suite 17, 46 Douglas Street, Milton, Brisbane, QLD, 4064
If you know what type of appointment you need, you can book your own appointment using our easy online appointment scheduler 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
If you have an urgent concern that cannot wait, please call us on (07) 3733 2360 and we will do our best to fit you in earlier.
Monday – Thursday: 8:00am – 7:00pm
Friday – Saturday: 8:00am – 2:00pm
Sunday: Closed
At The Shift Clinic, our natural, holistic treatment options can assist with a number of factors that may be contributing to infertility problems.
Where appropriate, our naturopaths may refer you for diagnostic testing to assess key factors that influence male reproductive health. This may include a semen analysis to evaluate sperm count, motility, morphology, and identify any abnormalities that could impact your ability to conceive.
We may also recommend a blood test to check testosterone levels, as this hormone plays a vital role in both the quantity and quality of sperm produced. If testosterone is found to be low or outside optimal ranges, we’ll guide you with personalised strategies to help restore hormonal balance and support your reproductive goals. Our practitioners are trained to interpret these results and provide targeted support to improve sperm health.
If your testing highlights abnormal sperm morphology (abnormally shaped sperm), our naturopaths will work with you on a personalised plan that will include nutritional support, herbal medicine, dietary guidelines, and lifestyle factors aimed at improving sperm morphology.
Learn about abnormal sperm morphology.
Similarly, if your testing highlights that your sperm count is low, our naturopaths will create a tailored plan to address this. This may include nutritional support, herbal medicine, dietary guidelines, and lifestyle factors to improve sperm count.
Learn about low sperm count.
If blood tests reveal low testosterone or a testosterone deficiency, in addition to naturopathic and herbal medicine support, we may refer you for acupuncture treatment which is available at our clinic. Research has shown that acupuncture can be effective in increasing testosterone levels and supporting overall reproductive health.
At The Shift Clinic Brisbane, we offer dedicated fertility and reproductive health care for men, with a strong focus on improving sperm count, quality, and overall reproductive health.
Our experienced practitioners take a holistic approach, considering all aspects of your wellbeing and identifying potential factors that may be impacting your ability to conceive, including diet, lifestyle, environmental exposures, and stress. As necessary, you may be referred for testing, including a semen analysis or a blood test to check testosterone levels.
Following a comprehensive assessment of your health, history, and results, your naturopath will create a personalised plan that may include targeted herbal remedies, nutritional supplements, dietary changes, and lifestyle adjustments to support optimal sperm production and hormonal balance.
Supplementary therapies, including acupuncture, may also be recommended to further support reproductive health and overall wellness.
At The Shift Clinic, our naturopaths are trained to interpret semen analyses and identify optimal ranges for sperm health. We offer natural solutions to support sperm abnormalities, such as low count, poor morphology, motility issues and erectile dysfunction.
Our practitioners:
An initial appointment with a Shift naturopath is $290 and the session is 2 hours in length. This includes the assessment of both partners and liaising with your fertility specialist and GPs as needed.
We also offer online appointments from anywhere in the world, as well as in-person sessions at our Brisbane clinic in Milton.
If you are referred to acupuncture, an initial fertility appointment is $149 and is 90 minutes in length. Private health fund rebates are available on acupuncture appointments.
If you’re visiting us in Brisbane, we recommend arriving 10 minutes early. This gives you time to enjoy a calming cup of tea and settle in before your appointment. If you’re booked for acupuncture, it also allows time to complete our questionnaire and consent forms.
For online consultations, take a few minutes beforehand to set yourself up in a quiet, comfortable space so you’re ready to connect with your naturopath.
Your appointment will be with our senior naturopath, Vanessa Cobern, who specialises in fertility care. Vanessa is a Bachelor-qualified naturopath with a friendly and empathetic nature.
If you are receiving acupuncture, your session will be with Georgie, who has over 15 years’ experience as a fertility acupuncturist.
At Shift, we work within a collaborative care model, meaning our practitioners’ cases are often reviewed and supported by our founder and fertility specialist, Katherine Maslen, along with the wider team. This ensures you receive the most comprehensive and well-rounded support possible on your journey.
Your initial naturopathic consultation will be up to 2 hours in length as your practitioner will take a journey through your full health history and identify any symptoms you may be experiencing.
Our experienced naturopaths will use their diagnostic tools and wealth of knowledge to find the underlying cause of your fertility problems. They will refer you for pathology testing where necessary, or analyse any previous results you may have.
After your initial consultation, you’ll walk away with a treatment plan that may include nutritional support, herbal medicine, dietary guidelines, and lifestyle suggestions specific to you. You may also be referred to our acupuncturist who will work with you to develop a plan that works on the underlying issues that can contribute to infertility.
Our memberships provide highly supportive healthcare to work on your natural reproductive health, with or without the collaboration of your medical fertility specialist.
After your initial appointment, if you wish to continue working with our team, we offer unique fertility memberships that have helped hundreds of couples achieve their dream of parenthood. We recognise that this journey is complex so we take a multi-faceted, supportive approach to allow our members to achieve pregnancy as soon as possible.
We recommend our Shift Fertility Membership, our signature 18-week program, for those preparing to start a family. Then we embark on a journey of methodically working through your health issues towards optimal health. Our holistic approach means that treatment will shift and change as you do – meaning we can achieve balance then move on to other areas that need support.
Founder
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Naturopath
Naturopath
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Naturopath
Naturopath
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Nutrition and Lifestyle Coach & Senior Client Care Administrator
Nutrition and Lifestyle Coach & Senior Client Care Administrator
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Acupuncturist & Doctor of Chinese Medicine
Acupuncturist & Doctor of Chinese Medicine
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There is substantial evidence that obesity is associated with reduced reproductive function in men. In particular, obesity can impair fertility by lowering testosterone levels and sperm count, damaging sperm DNA, and reducing overall sperm quality.
Yes, exercise can assist in making men more fertile, but the effects depend on the type, intensity, and duration of the exercise. This 2022 article explains that moderate, regular exercise is generally beneficial as it helps to reduce inflammation and cell damage, boosts hormones, and improves sperm quality, especially in men with obesity or diabetes.
However, excessive or intense exercise over long periods can have the opposite effect. It can lower testosterone, damage sperm quality, and interfere with key reproductive hormone signals.
Yes, alcohol intake can affect sperm quality, particularly at higher consumption levels. A meta-analysis of 40 studies found that alcohol use was associated with reduced semen volume and lower levels of key reproductive hormones, including testosterone. In particular, heavy drinking was linked to poorer semen parameters and hormonal disruptions.
Yes, smoking can negatively impact the production of sperm and male fertility. Research shows that smoking lowers sperm count, motility, and morphology, and reduces IVF success rates. Men are strongly advised to quit smoking to support conception.
Yes, recent research indicates that recreational drug use can negatively affect male fertility. A 2023 review found that psychoactive drugs such as cannabis, opioids, and stimulants can lower testosterone, damage sperm, and disrupt sperm production.
Prescription and over the counter medication can also contribute to male infertility, so it is important to make a note of anything that you and your partner are taking and to be aware of which medications could potentially harm reproductive function.
Environmental factors such as air pollution and exposure to contaminants can cause male fertility issues. Increased temperatures can also alter sperm production and can include: sitting for long periods, hot baths, using a laptop placed on the lap and sauna use. It’s important to mention any potential environmental predisposition that might be involved to your practitioner.
Occupational factors have also been linked to reduced reproductive function, so therefore it is important to disclose this information. Male occupations most strongly associated with subfertility include, welders, bakers, drivers (or others involving high scrotal temperature), radiotherapists, engine drivers, agricultural workers, chemists, laboratory workers and painters (due to solvent exposure).
Diet and nutrients play a crucial role in male fertility. Research shows that diets rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and healthy fats can significantly improve quality of sperm, while diets high in processed foods, trans fats, and sugary beverages can lower the quality of sperm. Overall, maintaining a balanced diet with essential nutrients is key to supporting optimal male reproductive health.
Generally speaking, to ensure healthy sperm, men should:
Eat a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, poultry, and seafood
Reduce intake of foods high in carbohydrates, sugar, and processed meats
Replace full-fat dairy with low-fat dairy options
No, you don’t need a referral to see a naturopath for male fertility. You can easily book your Discovery & Diagnostic appointment online or by calling our friendly client care team.
Call us on 07 3367 0337 to make your appointment or book online here.
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You can book your own appointment using our easy online appointment scheduler 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
If you have an urgent concern that cannot wait, please call us on 07 3367 0337 and we will do our best to fit you in earlier.
Please note you will need to ‘make a profile’ to book an appointment – this will then send us your personal details and create a client file for you. If you’d prefer to call then go through this process then please do!
For more information on our human design sessions, contact our Brisbane clinic today on 07 3367 0337.
The current wait time for an appointment with our nutritionist is approximately 3-4 weeks – be sure to check the next few weeks for availability in your search results.
If you have an urgent concern that cannot wait, please call us on 07 3367 0337 and we will do our best to fit you in earlier.
Please note you will need to ‘make a profile’ to book an appointment – this will then send us your personal details and create a client file for you. If you’d prefer to call then go through this process then please do!
For more information on our hypnotherapy treatments for smoking, anxiety, or depression, contact our Brisbane clinic today on 07 3367 0337.
Your ability to digest food and absorb nutrients determines your health, and your microbiome (the bacteria that live inside you) are so important for preventing disease.