Pelvic Physical Therapy May Improve IVF Success Rates

For those seeking to optimize their chances of success with In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), pelvic physical therapy offers a promising, yet often overlooked, option. A specialized form of manual therapy, pelvic physical therapy has been shown to improve both natural conception and IVF outcomes by addressing physical barriers to fertility.

What Is Pelvic Physical Therapy?

Pelvic physical therapy involves working directly on the muscles, organs, and support structures of the reproductive tract in the pelvis. The goal of this therapy is to reduce or eliminate adhesions—bands of scar tissue that can form after surgery, trauma, infections, or inflammation. These adhesions can affect the reproductive organs, hindering a woman’s ability to conceive.

Adhesions may develop after procedures like:

• Laparoscopy
• C-section
• Abortion
• Back surgery

Adhesions can also result from infections or conditions such as:

• Bladder or yeast infections
• Endometriosis
• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)

How Adhesions Impact Fertility

Adhesions can significantly reduce fertility by blocking the fallopian tubes, impairing the fimbriae (the finger-like projections at the end of the fallopian tubes), or causing inflammation on the uterine wall, preventing the fertilized egg from implanting. These physical barriers may make it more difficult for a woman to conceive naturally or through IVF.

How Pelvic Physical Therapy Can Help

Pelvic physical therapists, including those trained in techniques like the Wurn Technique®, specialize in identifying and treating adhesions and other physical barriers that affect reproductive health. During therapy, the physical therapist conducts a thorough evaluation of the patient’s medical history and screens the abdomen for any tight or painful areas.

Through targeted manual therapies, stretches, and exercises, the therapist works to break down adhesions, reduce muscle spasms, and improve the elasticity of the pelvic tissues. These treatments help restore proper function to the reproductive organs, improving the chances of conception.

Clinical Results: Pelvic Physical Therapy and IVF Success

Studies on pelvic physical therapy have shown encouraging results for women undergoing IVF treatment. One clinical study revealed that 67% of women who received approximately 20 hours of pelvic physical therapy conceived successfully during their IVF treatment. Additionally, the therapy had some positive side effects:

• 96% of participants reported decreased pain during intercourse.
• 91% experienced an increase in sexual desire, arousal, and orgasm.

These findings suggest that pelvic physical therapy not only improves fertility but also enhances overall pelvic health and sexual well-being.

Improving Outcomes

Pelvic physical therapy is a safe and effective treatment option that can help address physical barriers to fertility, such as adhesions, and improve IVF outcomes. For women facing fertility challenges, incorporating this specialized therapy into their fertility treatment plan may offer a path toward greater success in achieving pregnancy.

For more information about pelvic physical therapy and how it can support your fertility journey, contact the Reproductive Wellness Center in San Diego.