Does Pelvic Floor Therapy Help with Fertility?
If you're on a fertility journey, you've probably explored a lot of options. Acupuncture, supplements, diet changes, maybe a specialist or two. But one thing that often gets overlooked? The pelvic floor.
At OWN Your Pelvic Health, we work with many clients who are trying to conceive, and pelvic floor therapy is frequently part of the conversation. Here's what you need to know.
What Does the Pelvic Floor Have to Do with Fertility?
Your pelvic floor is a group of muscles and connective tissue that sit at the base of your pelvis. It supports your uterus, bladder, and bowel, and plays a significant role in reproductive function.
When the pelvic floor is tight, restricted, or not coordinating properly, it can affect blood flow to the reproductive organs, create tension that interferes with conception, and contribute to painful intercourse, which can make trying to conceive stressful and difficult.
If there is scar tissue present in the abdomen or pelvis, that can also impact blood flow and function of reproductive organs. Previous c-sections, D&Cs, appendectomies - any surgery, no matter how invasive, can impact conception.
Pelvic floor therapy addresses these issues directly through hands-on assessment and treatment. Our OTs and PTs look at muscle tone, fascia mobility, scar tissue (especially from past surgeries or procedures), and nervous system patterns that may be contributing to tension in the pelvic region.
What Conditions Related to Fertility Can Pelvic Floor Therapy Address?
Hypertonic (tight) pelvic floor muscles that may affect implantation or blood flow
Endometriosis-related pain and pelvic tension
Scar tissue from prior abdominal or pelvic surgeries, including C-sections or laparoscopies
Painful intercourse (dyspareunia or vaginismus) that makes conception attempts difficult
Pelvic congestion or restricted circulation in the pelvis
Stress-related tension patterns held in the pelvic floor
What About Mercier Therapy?
At OWN Your Pelvic Health, we also offer Mercier Therapy, a specialized visceral manipulation technique developed specifically to support fertility. It focuses on mobilizing the reproductive organs and surrounding tissues to improve circulation, reduce adhesions, and restore optimal organ mobility.
Mercier Therapy is not a guarantee of conception, but many clients find it to be a meaningful complement to their fertility treatment plan, whether they are pursuing natural conception or working with a reproductive endocrinologist.
When Should You Consider Pelvic Floor Therapy During Your Fertility Journey?
There is no wrong time to start. We often see clients who are just beginning to try to conceive and want to optimize their pelvic health, as well as clients who have been trying for some time and are looking for additional support. We also work alongside reproductive medicine teams and can coordinate care with your OB, midwife, or fertility specialist.
What to Expect at Your First Visit
Your first appointment is a full evaluation. We take a thorough history, talk about your goals and what you've already tried, and assess your pelvic floor externally and internally (with your consent). From there, we build a treatment plan specific to your body and your timeline.
Ready to explore pelvic floor therapy as part of your fertility journey? Call us (720)-509-9154 or request an appointment online. We'd love to support you.