New Research Examines Range of Restorative Reproductive Medicine Practices from Evidence-Based Perspective

May 7, 2026

For Immediate Release

Washington, DC—Fertility and Sterility, the flagship publication of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), has published a new six-part series examining the evidence behind fertility optimization approaches that have gained attention amid growing political and public debate over reproductive medicine, including approaches associated with Restorative Reproductive Medicine (RRM) and the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement.

RRM is often promoted as a way to identify and treat underlying reproductive health conditions, such as endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), ovulatory disorders, or hormonal imbalances. While some of these practices overlap with evidence-based fertility care when used appropriately, RRM and related approaches are increasingly being positioned in policy and advocacy debates as alternatives to assisted reproductive technologies (ART), including in vitro fertilization (IVF), despite limited evidence showing they are as effective as established treatment options.

The series examines a range of RRM-aligned practices, from lifestyle changes and cycle tracking to medical and surgical treatments, against current standards of evidence-based medicine: 

• The Effectiveness and Safety of Restorative Reproductive Medicine: A Systematic Review, by Deanna Ganci et al.: This review finds no high-quality evidence demonstrating that RRM is as effective as ART. Many existing studies were excluded due to poor design, including the absence of control groups.
• Optimization of Conception with Intercourse for Women with Infertility, by David Boedeker et al.: This paper evaluates commonly promoted RRM interventions, including treatments for inflammatory conditions, vitamin deficiencies, immune factors, and luteal phase abnormalities. Aside from select endocrine and ovulation disorders, the authors find limited evidence supporting their effectiveness.
• Diet, Lifestyle Factors and Human Infertility: What We Know, What We Wish We Knew, and What We May Never Know, by Jorge Eduardo Chavarro et al.: While diet, exercise, and substance use are frequently cited as contributors to declining fertility, the authors conclude that current evidence is insufficient to support strong clinical recommendations and call for further research alongside evidence-based care.
• Menstrual Tracking Technologies and Fertility: Evaluating Accuracy, Utility, and Time to Pregnancy, by Hannah C. Milad et al.: While identifying the fertile window is important for those trying to conceive, the effectiveness of cycle tracking tools varies widely. The study highlights the role of data quality, usability, access, and psychological factors in determining the real-world impact.   
• Surgical Interventions to Maximize Fertility, by Leigh Ann Humphries et al.: Evidence supporting surgical treatment for infertility related conditions—such as polyps, fibroids, tubal disease, or unexplained infertility—is variable and often limited. The authors recommend that decisions be guided by comparative effectiveness data, patient characteristics, and individual family-building goals. 
• Data Driven Analysis of Fertility Optimization, by Eve C. Feinberg and Marcelle Cedars: As political perspectives increasingly intersect with clinical care, the authors emphasize that treatment decisions must remain grounded in evidence-based medicine. They highlight gaps in current knowledge and call for further research to emphasize women’s health, optimize pregnancy outcomes, and support individualized care, while underscoring the importance of informed patient choice.

Together, the series offers a comprehensive, evidence-based assessment of RRM-related practices at a moment when these approaches are receiving increased political and public attention. The findings highlight significant gaps in the research and underscore the need for patients to receive clear, accurate information about what is proven, what remains uncertain, and when delays in effective treatment may affect their chances of success. The series reinforces ASRM’s commitment to science-based care, informed patient decision making, and rigorous evidence to guide reproductive medicine.