Can pelvic floor physical therapy improve my fertility?

By: Mary Garces, PT, DPT, PCES

Your new step one

If you’re reading this, you’re likely looking for ways to improve your fertility. If that’s true, congratulations on beginning a new step one in your journey to conceiving naturally!

You’ve probably heard of visiting OB/GYNs, acupuncturists, chiropractors, or reproductive endocrinologists to boost your chances of getting pregnant. But did you know that a pelvic floor physical therapist can also be a part of your reproductive care team?

Here’s how a pelvic floor physical therapist with a specialty in conception optimization can support you on your fertility journey:

1. See you later, scar tissue

It might not seem like it, but previous C-sections or abdominal surgeries are major procedures that can contribute to secondary infertility. That’s because scar tissue can reduce blood flow to vital reproductive organs. Without healthy circulation, the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes may not be functioning optimally for conception.

A pelvic rehabilitation fertility specialist can use tools like dry needling, cupping, and visceral mobilization to break up scar tissue and help your body thrive.

2. Ditch the fascial adhesions

Like scar tissue, fascial adhesions can restrict blood flow to key areas needed for conception. In addition to scar tissue techniques, your therapist may use myofascial release and soft tissue massage on the abdomen, pelvic floor, low back, neck, and inner thighs. These techniques not only improve blood flow but also enhance organ mobility and stimulate the vagus nerve, which supports overall reproductive health.

3. Hello, blood flow

Once those pesky scar tissue and fascial adhesions are addressed, healthy blood flow can return to the uterus, ovaries, cervix, and fallopian tubes. And don’t worry, we won’t leave the vagina out of the fun!

Intravaginal and extravaginal massage can help address scar tissue from previous vaginal births, boost cervical secretions to support sperm movement, and reduce pain during intercourse.

4. Reacquaint yourself with your cycle

Remember what they told you in sex ed? A “normal” menstrual cycle is 28 days, with ovulation happening on day 14. But here’s the thing, not every woman is the same. That means your cycle likely doesn’t match your sister’s, your best friend’s, or that textbook example.

Your pelvic rehabilitation fertility specialist can guide you through understanding your unique cycle, helping you identify the optimal time to conceive and making sure your menstrual health is on track.

5. Homework you’ll actually enjoy

Yes, there’s homework, because most of your progress happens at home! But don’t worry, you won’t dread it.

Instead, you’ll explore:

• Pelvic floor-safe, sperm-friendly lubricants

• Nourishing, anti-inflammatory foods

• Journaling

• Strength training

• Relaxation techniques

And the best part? Your partner can participate too, which helps improve sperm quality and supports your journey together. See? Not so bad after all!

Where do I sign up?

I’m thrilled you’re considering pelvic floor physical therapy as part of your fertility journey!

Just a reminder, not all pelvic floor PTs are trained in conception optimization. Look for a provider who has completed manual training in reproductive organ mobilization, and even better, one who has PRFS (Pelvic Rehabilitation Fertility Specialist) after their name.

If that sounds like your ideal therapist and you’re local to Lake Country, Wisconsin, visit our website to schedule your evaluation today.