Pelvic Floor Therapy For Fertility
Pelvic floor therapy is typically associated with the postpartum period but did you know it can also play a vital role in fertility. By addressing muscle imbalances, organ mobility, scar tissue, and circulation, pelvic floor therapy may optimize your body for conception.
Pelvic floor therapy can also address lifestyle factors such as stress management, behavioral modifications and collaborating with other practitioners in the fertility space to ensure holistic care.
Understanding the Pelvic Floor and Its Role in Fertility
The pelvic floor muscles have several functions within the pelvis that contribute to optimizing fertility. The muscles are important for bowel and bladder control but they do so much more, including the following:
Supporting Pelvic Organs: Pelvic floor muscles act as a hammock to support the pelvic organs including the bladder, rectum and uterus (and ovaries/fallopian tubes). If pelvic floor muscles are weak or too tight, they can affect uterine positioning which could affect implantation
Enhancing Sexual Function: Pelvic floor muscles aid in arousal and orgasm. If muscles are not able to contract and relax properly, it can affect penetration, arousal and orgasm. Pain with sex can also make conception difficult.
Core Stability: The pelvic floor muscles assist in stability of the pelvis. Weakness or imbalances in these muscles can affect postural stability and alignment.
Blood flow and lymphatic drainage: Properly functioning pelvic floor muscles help pump blood to the reproductive organs. Improved circulation promotes egg health, hormone regulation, and uterine lining development.
Common Pelvic Floor Issues That May Affect Fertility
As you can see, having tightness or weakness of the pelvic floor muscles can affect fertility. Tight or weak pelvic floor muscles can cause issues with position of the reproductive organs, sexual function, postural alignment and blood flow.
Scar tissue can also cause issues with position of the reproductive organs and blood flow. People may have scar tissues from previous gynecological surgeries, endometriosis or past trauma.
Pelvic Floor Therapy For Fertility
There are several ways pelvic floor therapy can be beneficial for fertility:
Visceral mobilization can help to reduce scar tissue and mobilize reproductive organs
Breathwork to address stress and decrease pelvic tension
Manual therapy to release tension, restrictions and improve circulation
Corrective exercise to address muscle imbalances for improved posture
Addressing stress and nervous system regulation for hormonal balance
Additional Lifestyle and Wellness Tips
Lifestyle changes are also important in promoting fertility. We will discuss habits that may not support fertility for both you and your partner.
Providing education on hydration, nutrition and movement is vital. Also, finding ways to decrease stress is important so we will explore options that feel appropriate for your lifestyle.
When to Seek Fertility Support with Pelvic Floor Therapy
Pelvic floor therapy can be beneficial before seeking fertility treatments as preparation but can also be useful during all stages of fertility treatments. You may benefit from pelvic floor therapy for fertility related concerns if you have:
Chronic pelvic pain or tension
Irregular or painful periods
History of pelvic surgeries or trauma: c-section, laparoscopies, endometriosis excisions or past abdominal surgeries
Conditions such as Endometriosis or PCOS
Unexplained infertility or difficulty conceiving
Recovering from pregnancy loss or fertility treatments
Although infertility can be an extremely difficult time, having support can help to lessen the burden. Pelvic floor therapy can be an adjunct to your treatments that may help improve fertility outcomes in a natural way.
I work with patients in Lancaster and Columbus, OH, providing individualized support to help optimize your fertility and would love to support you on your journey.
If you’d like more information:
Take this free questionnaire to see if you have pelvic floor dysfunction
Schedule a free discovery call to discuss your symptoms and see how I can help
Next On Reading List
Pelvic Floor Therapy: What To Expect
What Does The Pelvic Floor Do?
