If you and your partner are having trouble getting pregnant, you’ve probably been doing everything you can to increase your chances of conception. A few frantic online searches might lead you to consider fertility massage therapy as a potential solution or, at the very least, a companion treatment to boost your success rate.
While there’s limited scientific evidence supporting the effectiveness of fertility massage therapy, some couples have reported positive results and found it to be a beneficial addition to their fertility treatment plan.
This article covers the potential benefits and limitations of fertility massage therapy and provides an overview of the available research on its effectiveness.
Fertility massage therapy is a specialized form of massage that focuses on the body’s reproductive organs and qi, the “vital energy” that flows through it.
According to traditional Chinese medicine, imbalances or blockages in this energy can affect fertility. However, there is a lack of scientific evidence to support these claims.
Fertility massage is a complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) approach that has gained popularity in recent years. It uses specific techniques and movements to promote relaxation, improve blood circulation to the reproductive organs, reduce stress, and balance hormone levels.
Other examples of CAM fertility therapies include acupuncture, herbal medicine, and yoga or meditation.
Fertility massage therapy incorporates various techniques to target different areas of the body, including the abdominal area, lower back, hips, groin (inguinal region), and thighs (femoral region).
Here’s a breakdown of the most common fertility massage techniques:
Some practitioners teach self-massage techniques that couples can practice at home, while others offer hands-on sessions where the therapist performs the massage.
A self-fertility massage is a massage that can be done by oneself at home.
Although there’s limited research supporting the idea that self-fertility massage can help a person conceive, anecdotal evidence suggests that it may have other benefits, including:
Fertility massage therapy isn’t a guaranteed path to pregnancy or overcoming infertility challenges. Still, some studies suggest that massage therapy, in general, may have health benefits, such as reducing stress and promoting relaxation — both of which are important when trying to conceive.
People struggling with infertility are at an increased risk of experiencing higher levels of stress and anxiety. This extends to both men and women, as men may have lower serum total testosterone levels while women may experience increased cortisol levels.
Cortisol, the “stress hormone,” controls everything from the body’s metabolism to inflammatory processes and immune function. Too much or too little of this hormone can have a catastrophic domino effect on the body’s overall health, including fertility.
The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA) regulates the body’s stress response and cortisol production. It works with the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadotropic axis (HPG), which controls the production of reproductive hormones.
Chronic stress (or high cortisol levels) can disrupt the HPA and HPG axes, leading to hormonal imbalances, specifically the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). This change in plans can result in irregular menstrual cycles, lack of ovulation, and difficulty conceiving. High cortisol levels can also reduce estradiol levels and deteriorate egg quality.
Stress is likely to decrease a person’s libido as well.
While stress plays a role in fertility, it’s not the only emotional hurdle that couples dealing with infertility face.
Infertility can be a complex emotional journey that can lead to feelings of:
It’s important to understand the two-way street between emotions and hormones.
Anxiety and depression can negatively affect hormone levels, which in turn can impact fertility. For example, high cortisol levels associated with chronic stress can disrupt ovulation and egg quality. This creates a stressful cycle where emotional distress can worsen fertility struggles and vice versa.
While there’s limited research on fertility massage, we did find some evidence of its potential benefits:
Fertility massage may not have a ton of research to back it up, but massage therapy has been proven to offer several potential benefits for overall well-being, including, but not limited to:
While fertility massage offers potential benefits, it’s important to approach it with realistic expectations.
Here are some things to consider:
While fertility massage can be a relaxing and potentially helpful holistic treatment for many couples trying to conceive, it may be particularly beneficial for:
Fertility massage therapy may reduce stress levels and help aspiring parents relax and feel more supported during their fertility journey. That said, it’s not a standalone solution for fertility issues.
Infertility is a complex issue with multiple factors at play, and it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional or fertility specialist to determine the best course of action for your specific situation.
At RMA, we’re dedicated to providing our clients with the most up-to-date information and guidance regarding fertility treatments and complementary therapies.
While fertility massage therapy has shown the potential to promote relaxation and reduce stress, its effectiveness in improving fertility outcomes is still inconclusive.
If you’re interested in adding holistic therapies to your fertility plan, it’s essential to approach them as complementary treatments rather than replacements for conventional fertility treatments.
Contact our clinic or speak with one of our fertility specialists to learn more about fertility massage therapy and other complementary therapies. We’re here to support you and help you make informed decisions about your treatment options.
Fertility massage is a specialized type of massage therapy that targets the reproductive organs and surrounding areas to promote overall reproductive health and fertility
There is no concrete evidence that fertility massage alone can directly help someone get pregnant. However, some studies suggest that fertility massage may help reduce stress levels and promote relaxation, which can create a more favorable environment for conception.
Whether or not fertility massage treatment is right for you depends on your individual circumstances, including the underlying causes of your fertility issues and any other treatments you may be undergoing.
BELLEVUE, WA – March 13, 2024 – Reproductive Medicine Associates (RMA), one of the nation's…
While ovulation tests aren't magical crystal balls that can predict the exact moment of ovulation,…
Assisted reproductive technology (ART) provides hope and opportunity for individuals or couples struggling with infertility…
At-home fertility tests are becoming increasingly popular due to their convenience and affordability. They can…