Let’s Talk Fertility with Dr Jacqui Quinn (Osteopath)

The main pelvic organs involved in reproduction are the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. The ovaries, or egg producers, need to be mobile and have effective blood supply, without this, hormone output is altered, hindering conception. The fallopian tubes also require a robust blood supply and freedom of movement to transport the egg to the uterus. The uterus is incredibly mobile, tilting & bending forward to allow for bladder and intestinal fullness. If these female reproductive organs become compressed & immobile it decreases their reproductive capacity. For example, the uterus can be compacted by bowel constipation, causing restricted uterine movement, decreased function & pelvic congestion (Ashburner, 2017).

Your pelvic floor muscles below the reproductive organs & the ligaments which hold these organs in place also play a vital role in female fertility, here’s why. The broad ligaments & uterine ligaments attach the uterus to the sides & front of the pelvis respectively (Whitehead, 2019). If you have tension on one side of the pelvis from scarring due to previous pelvic trauma, overly tight pelvic floor muscles or a pelvic tilt, this can create uneven tension on the reproductive ligaments affecting normal fluid flow. Tension may cause implantation issues which impacts conception. This is even more true if you have a blocked fallopian tube on one side & pelvic tension on the other side, affecting freedom of movement for the working fallopian tube.

What can you do to help your body? Keep active, movement decreases lymphatic congestion, promotes blood flow & regular bowel movement, all of which support your fertility.

How can your osteopath help? We have a wide range of techniques to deal with congestion & fluid flow. We can assess your pelvic alignment and create balance between the two sides of your pelvis, promoting free movement of your vital reproductive organs and ligaments.

2. Stress Levels

Chronic stress increases cortisol levels which can directly impact fertility. High cortisol levels can affect menstruation regularity and ovulation. Libido, egg quality & implantation can also be impacted by stress (NFP, 2023).

Navigating fertility is a physical, emotional, and mental journey. Each step taken to manage cortisol and stress levels creates a more favourable path to conception and parenthood.

What can you do to manage stress? One simple step you can take to reduce your stress is mindful belly breathing. Belly breathing to a rhythm of 4’s works by promoting your rest & digest (parasympathetic) system. The vagus nerve (main rest & digest nerve) runs through our thoracic diaphragm, & when we focus on expanding the belly/diaphragm it activates the parasympathetic system. Belly breathing has been shown to improve heart rate variability, reduce stress & promote relaxation (Psychology today, 2017). To practice diaphragmatic breathing: