A Woman’s Journey To Fertility: The Role Of Pelvic Health
Introducing a Holistic Approach to Fertility Care
As a Pelvic Floor Therapist, I often meet families who, after facing challenges in conceiving—whether it’s their first or fourth child—are quickly referred to assisted reproductive technologies (ART). These treatments, while can be incredibly beneficial for many, can sometimes feel overwhelming due to their invasive nature and potential side effects. For some women, the idea of starting these treatments can be intimidating, and they may feel unsure about their options.
I’ve seen firsthand the impact that fertility struggles can have on families—physically, emotionally, and financially. This is why I believe that, in addition to traditional medical treatments, a more holistic approach can be beneficial. There are many factors we can address that have the potential to affect fertility, including visceral restrictions, scar tissue adhesions from surgeries, nutrition, painful intercourse, and others, that may not always be addressed in a clinical setting. By working together with you and any other medical providers you have chosen, we aim to complement these treatments, providing additional support that addresses the whole person.
Our goal is to offer families a broader range of care, helping to optimize their health and well-being as they navigate their fertility journey.
Our goal is to offer families a broader range of care, helping to optimize their health and well-being as they navigate their fertility journey. Pelvic floor therapy can be a valuable resource in this process, empowering women and offering relief, while working hand-in-hand with their doctors and other healthcare providers.
We cannot override anatomy when it comes to conception. If your body does not have the appropriate opportunity to receive sperm then we need to fix what we can. Even if we are not 100% sure this condition is fully a mechanical issue, we can treat what we find in order to give you and your body the best opportunity possible to be able to conceive and carry to term.
The Connection Between Pelvic Health and Fertility
Did you know fertility and pelvic health are intricately linked? The structure and function of the pelvic organs, tissues, and muscles play a critical role in conception. Factors such as pelvic alignment, scar tissue, restricted mobility and motility of reproductive organs, peritoneum involvement, chronic pain, inflammation, and other factors can all impact fertility by affecting the health of the reproductive system. Through taking a more holistic approach and focusing on the body's natural balance, we also review hormonal imbalances, thyroid involvement, hypothalamus dysfunction, nutrition and supplemental therapies that can assist in positive outcomes.
Common Factors Affecting Fertility We Can Support
Many common conditions that affect fertility are linked to the health of the pelvic organs and tissues. Through pelvic floor therapy and manual techniques, we are able to help alleviate symptoms, promote healing, and restore proper function in a way that complements traditional fertility treatments.
Below are some of the most common factors affecting fertility that we can help support:
Secondary Infertility: This is when someone is unable to get pregnant or carry a pregnancy to term after conceiving and delivering without complications.
IVF Cycle Support: Undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) can be physically and emotionally demanding, often accompanied by hormonal changes and pelvic discomfort. Therapy can provide relief from pelvic pain, improve blood flow, and help prepare the body for a successful IVF cycle.
Endometriosis Pain: Tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, causing adhesions and inflammation that affect reproductive organs. Therapy helps manage pain and reduce adhesions.
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): Infection of the reproductive organs can lead to scarring and tubal and ovarian adhesions. Therapy can reduce scar tissue, restoring function.
Ovulation Disorders: Cover 25% of infertility related conditions
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS): PCOS causes hormonal imbalances and irregular cycles. Therapy can support women with PCOS by helping to manage associated pelvic discomfort and improving overall pelvic health, which may enhance the body's natural reproductive function.
Uterine Fibroids: Non-cancerous growths in the uterus can interfere with implantation and cause pelvic pain. Therapy can help by easing tension, improving lymphatic and blood flow to the pelvic organs, and addressing any related discomfort.
Advanced Maternal Age (35 and Older): As women age, fertility naturally declines, and pelvic health becomes even more critical. Addressing egg quality, diminished ovarian reserve, primary ovarian insufficiency, premature ovarian failure, nutrient deficiencies, and adrenal processing disorders can greatly improve reproductive health and enhance the likelihood of conception.
Surgically induced Infertility: Surgical adhesions invite problematic concern through trauma, disruption of blood supply, and inflammatory reactions
Thyroid Disorders: Such as Hypo/Hyperthyroidism, Hashimotos Disease, Graves Disease, Thyroid CA. The hormone produced by the thyroid influences ovarian function by regulating the levels of important hormones that facilitate conception.
Irregular Cycles: Irregular menstrual cycles can make it difficult to predict ovulation and conceive. Pelvic Floor Therapy can aid in regulating cycle-related pelvic discomfort, supporting the natural rhythms of the body, cycle tracking and charting, identifying areas of concern, like luteal phase deficiency, and improving overall pelvic health.
Hypothalamic Amenorrhea: The hypothalamus plays a key role in regulating reproductive hormones, including LH and FSH, which are essential for ovulation. When this function is disrupted it can lead to irregular or absent menstrual cycles.
Hormonal Imbalance and Related Conditions: Hormonal imbalances can affect the menstrual cycle, ovulation, and overall fertility. As holistic providers we can not only address the pelvic floor dysfunction and visceral restriction but also address lifestyle factors such as nutrition, supplementation, and exercise to support hormonal balance and fertility.
Male related Infertility: Conditions such as ejaculation disorders and poor quality semen.
A Holistic Path to Fertility: Seek Support and Find HopE
If you're struggling with fertility or pelvic health concerns, I encourage you to seek help from a Pelvic Therapist. With specialized training in pelvic floor function, reproductive health, and fertility, we offer personalized treatment plans that consider both your physical and emotional well-being. Pelvic Floor Therapy in Fertility Care is adaptable and involves a range of tools to address different aspects of fertility. Our diverse treatment options ensure that we can offer the most effective support tailored to your specific needs. Each treatment plan is customized to address your individual needs, ensuring a comprehensive approach to improving fertility and overall pelvic health.
Remember, you are not alone—many women face similar challenges, and effective therapeutic treatments are available. With the right care and support, you can overcome obstacles and move closer to realizing your dream of starting a family. If you're looking for support along your fertility journey and you're located in Corpus Christi, Texas or any of the surrounding cities of The Coastal Bend area, we would love to help you. Feel free to book a free discovery call by clicking HERE.