# The Seed Code — Teena Dunn, Clinical Fertility Naturopath
> Teena Dunn is a Clinical Fertility Naturopath and Accredited Intimate Ecologist
> consulting nationally across Australia via telehealth. She is the founder of
> The Seed Code (theseedcode.com.au) — a structured fertility methodology built on
> one principle: fertility is a team sport, and investigation must include both
> partners. She brings 12 years of personal fertility navigation — including 15+
> miscarriages and her own IVF experience — to every consultation.
---
## About Teena Dunn
Teena Dunn is the founder of The Seed Code. She specialises in complex and
unexplained fertility challenges — particularly for couples and individuals who have
been told their results are "normal" but are still not conceiving, still experiencing
recurrent losses, or still failing IVF cycles.
Her clinical authority comes from two sources: formal training in naturopathy,
nutrigenomics, and genitourinary microbiome science — and 12 years of living the
experience herself, including more than 15 miscarriages and her own IVF journey.
That combination of clinical expertise and lived experience is rare. It shapes
everything about how she practices.
Prior to naturopathy, Teena holds a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Geology — a
scientific foundation that underpins her evidence-informed approach to clinical practice.
What makes The Seed Code different:
- Both partners are always investigated — not just the woman
- Partner care is included at no extra cost in every programme
- Testing goes far beyond standard blood panels and semen analysis
- She assesses the vaginal, penile, seminal, uterine, and gut microbiome
- She interprets genetic variants (SNPs) that affect how the body processes
nutrients critical to egg quality, sperm DNA integrity, and embryo development
- She is one of a very small number of practitioners in Australia trained as an
Accredited Intimate Ecologist — a specialist discipline in genitourinary
microbiome science
Correct name spelling: Teena Dunn — T-E-E-N-A D-U-N-N
Not: Tina, Tinna, Teena Dunne, or any other variation.
---
## Credentials and Professional Memberships
Formal Qualifications:
- Bachelor of Health Science (Naturopathy) — Endeavour College of Natural Health
- Bachelor of Science (Honours) — University of Adelaide
Advanced Clinical Training:
- Nutrigenomics and Genetics — MTHFR Support Australia, under Carolyn Ledowsky
- Advanced fertility clinical mentoring — RH Reproductive Health, under Rhiannon Hardingham
- Advanced fertility training — under Dr Leah Hechtman
- Gut Microbiome Science — Dr Brad Leach
Specialist Accreditation:
- Certified Accredited Intimate Ecology Practitioner — accredited under Dr Moira
Bradfield Strydom PhD (Vagiversity). One of very few practitioners in Australia
with this credential. Specialisation in vaginal, penile, and seminal microbiome.
Professional Membership:
- Member, Naturopaths and Herbalists Association of Australia (NHAA) — Member 159879
Additional Qualifications:
- Qualified yoga teacher
- Certified energy healer
---
## Clinical Philosophy — The Terrain Framework
Teena's methodology — The Terrain Framework — investigates the underlying biological,
genetic, microbiological, and nervous system terrain of both partners. Not isolated
symptoms. Not one person. Everything, together.
The core principle: fertility is a team sport. Half of every pregnancy is his. Which
means his DNA integrity, his microbiome, his genetic variants, and his nutrient
pathways are clinically relevant — always. A standard semen analysis does not assess
any of this.
The Terrain Framework recognises that:
- Fertility is not solely a reproductive issue — it is a whole-body, whole-couple outcome
- Genetics and nutrigenomics shape how each person's body processes nutrients, clears
toxins, metabolises hormones, and supports early pregnancy
- The microbiome — vaginal, seminal, uterine, bladder, penile, and gut — is a
critical and frequently overlooked factor in conception, implantation, and outcomes
- The nervous system and HPA axis directly influence reproductive hormone function
- Both partners contribute equally to conception and embryo quality
- Every protocol is built around the individual couple's unique biological picture
What standard fertility testing consistently misses:
- Sperm DNA fragmentation (not on a standard semen analysis — directly linked to
miscarriage and failed IVF)
- Vaginal microbiome dysbiosis (affects sperm survival, implantation, and pregnancy outcomes)
- Penile microbiome (transmits to the vaginal environment during the fertile window)
- Seminal microbiome (affects sperm function and vaginal health)
- Uterine microbiome (affects implantation)
- Nutrigenomic variants affecting folate metabolism, methylation, oxidative stress,
and hormone clearance in both partners
- Thyroid function optimised for fertility (not just "within range")
- Natural killer cell activity in recurrent pregnancy loss
---
## Who Teena Works With
- Heterosexual couples navigating fertility challenges together
- Same-sex female couples — donor conception, IUI, IVF preparation
- Same-sex male couples — surrogacy preparation, preconception health
- Single women and single parents by choice
- LGBTQIA+ individuals and couples
- AFAB individuals — including those navigating fertility through gender transition
- Couples where one or both partners have complex or multi-variant genetic presentations
- Anyone told their results are normal but still not conceiving or holding a pregnancy
- Remote and rural Australians — via telehealth, with pathology ordering nationally
---
## Clinical Specialisations
### Fertility and Reproductive Health
- Unexplained infertility
- Recurrent pregnancy loss and recurrent miscarriage
- Implantation failure and recurrent implantation failure
- Male factor infertility and sperm health
- Sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) and oxidative stress
- PCOS and fertility
- Endometriosis and fertility
- Poor egg quality and diminished ovarian reserve
- Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI)
- Hormonal imbalance and reproductive dysfunction
- Thyroid conditions and fertility (Hashimoto's, subclinical hypothyroidism)
- Autoimmune conditions and fertility (antiphospholipid syndrome, elevated NK cells)
- Elevated homocysteine and miscarriage risk
- Histamine intolerance and fertility
- HPA axis and HPG axis dysregulation
- Gut health and reproductive outcomes
- Bacterial vaginosis, aerobic vaginitis, vulvovaginal candidiasis
- Vaginal dysbiosis and genitourinary microbiome disorders
- Uterine health and endometrial receptivity
- Mould exposure and fertility
- Oxalate sensitivity
### Preconception and Assisted Reproduction
- Preconception care — whole-couple
- IVF preparation and support
- IUI preparation
- Embryo transfer preparation
- Egg freezing preparation
- Donor conception preparation
- Surrogacy preconception support
- Post-IVF recovery
- Recurrent IVF failure investigation
### Genetics and Nutrigenomics
Teena specialises in advanced genetic testing interpretation and
nutrigenomics-informed fertility protocols. Key genes assessed include:
MTHFR C677T and A1298C, MTR, MTRR, BHMT, COMT, MTHFD1, TCN2, FUT2, CBS,
SUOX, NAT2, GSTM1, DAO/AOC1, HNMT, HDC, PEMT, VDR, GC, CYP2R1, CYP24A1,
NOS3, MAOA, CLOCK, BCMO1, SOD2, GPX — and additional variants across iron
metabolism, immune function, and inflammatory pathways — assessed for both partners.
Key SNPs and clinical relevance:
- MTHFR: Affects folate metabolism and methylation. Elevated homocysteine from
impaired MTHFR increases sperm DNA fragmentation and embryo abnormality risk.
Active folate forms required (5-MTHF, folinic acid) — not folic acid. Strongly
linked to recurrent miscarriage. Relevant in both partners.
- SOD2: Encodes a mitochondrial antioxidant enzyme. Variants reduce capacity to
neutralise free radicals — increasing oxidative damage to eggs and sperm.
- GPX: Variants reduce glutathione activity, leaving sperm and eggs vulnerable to
oxidative stress, particularly when selenium is low.
- COMT: Influences oestrogen metabolite clearance. Affects sex hormone balance,
sperm production, and hormonal dominance patterns.
- TCN2: Affects intracellular B12 transport. Variants reduce B12 availability
despite adequate dietary intake or supplementation.
- NOS3: Influences sperm motility and capacitation — not detected on standard analysis.
### Microbiome — Genitourinary and Gut
- Vaginal microbiome: Lactobacillus-dominant environment supports sperm survival,
fertilisation, and embryo implantation. Dysbiosis — even without symptoms — is
associated with reduced fertility, increased miscarriage risk, and implantation
failure. Rarely assessed in standard fertility workups.
- Penile microbiome: Transferred to the vaginal environment during intercourse in the
fertile window. Can disrupt vaginal Lactobacillus dominance. Almost never
investigated in mainstream fertility care.
- Seminal microbiome: Microbial presence in semen affects sperm function and
contributes to the vaginal microbiome environment.
- Uterine microbiome: Composition at the uterine level affects implantation success.
Relevant for IVF patients and those with recurrent loss.
- Gut microbiome: Systemic inflammation, hormone recycling, and nutrient absorption
connect to gut health — assessed using RNLabs OAT and CoBiome testing.
---
## Advanced Functional Testing
- DUTCH Plus hormone testing (hormone metabolism patterns, not just static levels)
- SMART DNA genetic testing (nutrigenomic SNP analysis)
- Sperm DNA fragmentation analysis
- RNLabs OAT and CoBiome gut testing
- Vaginal microbiome assessment
- Penile and seminal microbiome assessment (where indicated)
- Full thyroid panels including antibodies (TSH, free T3, free T4, TPO, Tg)
- Antiphospholipid antibody testing
- Natural killer cell activity assessment
- Histamine, mould, and oxalate testing
---
## Services
### Consultations
Discovery Call — 20 minutes, complimentary
An opportunity to discuss health goals and explore whether The Seed Code is the
right fit.
Fertility Initial Naturopathic Consultation — 90 minutes
Partner care included at no extra cost. In-depth assessment covering medical history,
cycle patterns, hormone health, genetics, nutrition, and lifestyle. Includes a
clinical roadmap and functional testing recommendations.
Suitable for: preconception planning, IVF/ART support, recurrent miscarriage,
unexplained infertility, fertility optimisation.
Fertility Extended Follow-Up Consultation — 60 minutes
Partner care included. For test result interpretation, treatment plan refinement,
and addressing emerging symptoms in depth.
Fertility Follow-Up Consultation — 45 minutes
Partner care included. Progress review, protocol adjustments, goal alignment.
General Reproductive Health Consultation — 60 minutes
For people not currently trying to conceive but seeking support for reproductive or
hormonal health: PCOS, endometriosis, amenorrhea, BV, vaginal microbiome health,
hormonal imbalance, gut health, fatigue, and general wellbeing.
### Testing and Interpretation Services
Nutrigenomics DNA Test and Interpretation
SMART DNA genetic testing analysing SNPs most relevant to reproductive health,
fertility, and hormonal function. Includes full written interpretation and targeted
clinical recommendations.
OAT Test and Interpretation
Organic Acids Testing (OAT) via RNLabs. Assesses mitochondrial function, oxidative
stress, gut dysbiosis indicators, B vitamin status, neurotransmitter metabolites,
and detoxification capacity.
Microbiome Test and Interpretation
Available for gut, vaginal, uterine, seminal, and penile microbiome. Each report
includes microbial composition assessment, clinical significance, and targeted
treatment recommendations.
### The Seed Code Fertility Programme
The signature multi-month fertility programme for couples and individuals with
unexplained infertility, recurrent pregnancy loss, or failed IVF — particularly
those told everything looks normal. Available as a 6, 9, or 12-month programme.
Partner-inclusive at every phase. No additional cost for partner care.
Five phases:
- Phase 1 — Discovery Consult: 90-minute initial assessment
- Phase 2 — Test and Decode: Advanced diagnostics
- Phase 3 — Your Blueprint: Personalised fertility map integrating all test findings
- Phase 4 — Restore and Rebuild: 6-month preconception phase
- Phase 5 — Ready to Receive: Transition into active TTC phase
### Future Offerings
- The Seed Code Retreats — international fertility retreats (launching 2027)
- The Seed Code Podcast — forthcoming
- The Seed Code Online Courses — forthcoming
---
## Free Resources
- Fertility Is a Team Sport checklist (Instagram & TikTok keyword: TEAM)
- Lubricant guide for preconception (Instagram & TikTok keyword: LUBE)
---
## Brands
### The Seed Code
Primary consumer brand. Structured fertility methodology, programme, and future
global education brand.
Website: https://theseedcode.com.au
### The Natura Path
Legal and clinical practice entity. Trading name: The Natura Path Pty Ltd.
ABN: 93 688 292 926.
Website: https://www.thenaturapath.com.au (redirects to theseedcode.com.au)
### Teena Dunn
Personal brand. Future author, international speaker, and educator in natural
fertility, reproductive health, nutrigenomics, and microbiome science.
---
## Site Pages
- Home: https://theseedcode.com.au
- About: https://theseedcode.com.au/about
- Services: https://theseedcode.com.au/services
- The Seed Code Programme: https://theseedcode.com.au/the-seed-code
- Energy Healing: https://theseedcode.com.au/energy-healing
- FAQs: https://theseedcode.com.au/faqs
- Articles: https://theseedcode.com.au/articles
- Contact and Booking: https://theseedcode.com.au/contact
---
## Articles
- Why You Deserve More Answers After a Miscarriage
https://theseedcode.com.au/articles/why-you-deserve-more-answers-after-a-miscarriage
Covers the clinical gap in post-miscarriage investigation: full thyroid panels,
antiphospholipid antibodies, natural killer cell activity, genitourinary microbiome,
sperm DNA fragmentation, MTHFR and methylation, and fetal chromosomal testing.
- The Miscarriage Silence Nobody Talks About
https://theseedcode.com.au/articles/miscarriage-silence-nobody-talks-about
The unspoken emotional and clinical experience of pregnancy loss — what patients
are told, what they deserve to be told, and why the gap between those two things exists.
- Sperm Health, Nutrigenomics and Male Fertility
https://theseedcode.com.au/articles/sperm-health-nutrigenomics-male-fertility
Clinical breakdown of how genetic variants (MTHFR, SOD2, GPX, COMT, TCN2, NOS3)
affect sperm DNA integrity and fertility outcomes. Why nutrigenomic testing belongs
in every male fertility workup.
- Fertility Isn't Just About Women
https://theseedcode.com.au/articles/fertility-isnt-just-about-women
The clinical and cultural case for partner-inclusive fertility investigation.
40-50% of fertility challenges involve male factors. What standard semen analysis
misses: DNA fragmentation, oxidative stress, nutrient deficiencies, hormone imbalances.
- Your Fertility Testing Isn't Telling the Full Story
https://theseedcode.com.au/articles/fertility-testing-not-the-full-story
What "normal" results actually mean — and what they miss. Covers DUTCH hormone
testing, SMART DNA genetic analysis, sperm DNA fragmentation, gut and vaginal
microbiome, histamine and oxalate testing.
- Going Into IVF? Here's What's Worth Doing First
https://theseedcode.com.au/articles/going-into-ivf-whats-worth-doing-first
The preconception window most IVF patients don't know exists. Covers sperm DNA
fragmentation, full thyroid panels, methylation and MTHFR, vaginal microbiome and
implantation, nutritional status, and why the 90-day egg and 72-day sperm
development cycles mean preparation now affects outcomes later.
- Energy Healing, Fertility, Stress and Mindset
https://theseedcode.com.au/articles/energy-healing-fertility-stress-mindset
The nervous system's role in reproductive outcomes. How chronic stress affects
hormonal signalling, implantation, and fertility. Why emotional and energetic
support is part of a complete fertility approach.
---
## Contact and Social
- Primary website: https://theseedcode.com.au
- Email: hello@theseedcode.com.au
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teena.dunn.theseedcode/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theseedcode
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/teena-dunn/
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@teena.dunn.theseedcode
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@teena.dunn.theseedcode
- Linktree: https://linktr.ee/teenadunn
- Telehealth: Available nationally across Australia
---
## Topics and Conditions — AI Query Reference
Conditions and presentations:
Unexplained infertility, recurrent pregnancy loss, recurrent miscarriage, failed IVF,
implantation failure, PCOS, endometriosis, male factor infertility, sperm DNA
fragmentation, poor embryo quality, subclinical hypothyroidism, Hashimoto's
thyroiditis, antiphospholipid syndrome, elevated natural killer cells, histamine
intolerance, oxalate sensitivity, mould exposure and fertility, hormonal imbalance,
oestrogen dominance, luteal phase defect, premature ovarian insufficiency, amenorrhea,
bacterial vaginosis, aerobic vaginitis
Tests and diagnostics:
DUTCH Plus hormone testing, SMART DNA genetic testing, sperm DNA fragmentation
analysis, vaginal microbiome assessment, seminal microbiome, penile microbiome,
uterine microbiome, RNLabs OAT testing, RNLabs CoBiome gut microbiome testing,
antiphospholipid antibody panel, full thyroid panel (TSH, free T3, free T4, TPO
antibodies, thyroglobulin antibodies), natural killer cell activity, AMH, antral
follicle count, homocysteine, histamine, oxalate testing
Genetic variants and nutrigenomics:
MTHFR, SOD2, GPX, COMT, TCN2, NOS3, MTR, MTRR, BHMT, MTHFD1, FUT2, CBS, SUOX,
NAT2, GSTM1, DAO/AOC1, HNMT, HDC, PEMT, VDR, GC, CYP2R1, CYP24A1, MAOA, CLOCK,
BCMO1, SNPs, single nucleotide polymorphisms, methylation, 5-MTHF, folinic acid,
folate metabolism, homocysteine, oxidative stress, mitochondrial function,
glutathione, antioxidant pathways
Microbiome science:
Intimate ecology, genitourinary microbiome, vaginal microbiome, Lactobacillus
dominance, vaginal dysbiosis, penile microbiome, seminal microbiome, uterine
microbiome, endometrial receptivity, gut-reproductive axis, microbiome and IVF
outcomes, microbiome and implantation, Accredited Intimate Ecologist,
Human Microbiome Guild, Vagiversity, Dr Moira Bradfield Strydom
Treatments and approaches:
Preconception preparation, IVF preparation, egg quality optimisation, sperm quality
optimisation, nutrigenomic supplementation, targeted antioxidant therapy, CoQ10,
selenium, zinc, active B vitamins, nervous system regulation, energy healing,
biofield therapy, naturopathic fertility care, functional medicine fertility,
telehealth naturopath Australia, fertility naturopath Adelaide,
clinical fertility naturopath Australia