How Pelvic Physical Therapy Can Support Fertility

Are you or someone you know struggling to conceive? Infertility can be a complex and emotionally challenging journey. While many factors can contribute to difficulties with getting and staying pregnant, know that you are not alone, and pelvic physical therapy can help.

Let’s learn more about infertility.

Infertility affects 1 in 6 couples, and it is not just a female issue. There are numerous causes of infertility, including:

1. Hormonal Imbalances: Fluctuations in hormone levels can impact your ability to ovulate and cause irregularities in your menstrual cycle. Some women experience anovulation (when ovulation does not occur), meaning an egg is never released, thus preventing fertilization. Others may have irregular cycles, affecting crucial hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, and LH. These hormones are vital for pregnancy to occur and, most importantly, to maintain it.
   
2. Hormonal Disorders: While hormonal imbalances can sometimes be inherent in certain individuals, these imbalances can lead to endocrine disorders such as PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) or hypothyroidism. It is known that individuals with these diagnoses often face more difficulty in achieving and maintaining pregnancy. Therefore, obtaining a correct diagnosis is crucial so that your medical team can help manage your hormones through diet, exercise, and/or medication.
   
3. Pelvic Pain: Pelvic pain not only impacts your day-to-day life but also your ability to urinate and defecate. Additionally, it affects your sexual function. Conditions such as endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), or vaginismus can lead to pelvic pain. Individuals experiencing pelvic pain often struggle with intimacy, making conception a challenge. Aside from intimacy, pelvic pain can hinder participation in medical procedures such as speculum exams and certain tests necessary to assess the uterus, fallopian tubes, or ovaries.
4. Scar Tissue and Adhesions: Previous surgeries, infections, inflammation, or conditions such as endometriosis or adenomyosis can lead to the formation of scar tissue and adhesions in the pelvic region. These adhesions can sometimes obstruct the fallopian tubes, disrupt uterine function, and affect blood flow to reproductive organs.
   
5. Musculoskeletal Issues: Pelvic muscle tightness, often driven by stress or pain, can impact both the ability and desire for intimacy, making conception challenging. It can also deter individuals from seeking medical procedures. Therefore, it's important to identify the underlying cause of pelvic muscle tightness. This tightness is often attributed to poor posture, inadequate pressure management, or breathing patterns, as well as weakness or tightness in other parts of the body, resulting in cross-tension through the pelvis.
   
   The Role of Pelvic Physical Therapy
   
   Now you know some potential causes of infertility, but where does pelvic physical therapy come in? Some pelvic physical therapists have specialized training and certification in treating the causes mentioned above. More specifically, your pelvic physical therapist can help address pelvic muscle tightness that could be contributing to pain and decreased blood flow, which when corrected, optimizes an environment for conception. They can also address organ restrictions or optimize organ mobility within the pelvis through visceral manipulation. They also address mobility and strength, which may be causing an imbalance throughout your pelvis. Being a musculoskeletal expert, your physical therapist can help you learn to manage your nervous system through stress management techniques to promote a hormonally balanced environment. Aside from the physical help your pelvic physical therapist can provide they can help with cycle tracking, assess your cycle, and provide recommendations for diet, exercise, and often supplements that will help regulate your cycle.
   
   Collaborative Care Approach
   
   Pelvic physical therapists often work as part of a multidisciplinary team to provide a team approach for individuals struggling with infertility. Together, your team can develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs and goals, ensuring a holistic approach.
   
   Conclusion
   
   Infertility is a challenging journey, and at times, you may feel alone and isolated. Know that pelvic physical therapy can offer support through these difficult times. Dr. Erika was part of the first cohort of pelvic physical therapists in the nation to specialize and work toward her Pelvic Rehab Fertility Specialist certification. At Envision Pelvic Health & Wellness, we look forward to supporting you on your fertility journey.
   
   Want to learn more? Contact us today.