Fertility/Infertility Reflexology

Female Conditions

Blocked or Damaged Fallopian Tubes
(narrow or blocked tubes as a result of scarring from infection, endometriosis, or an ectopic pregnancy)

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
(an infection of the female reproductive tract e.g. cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries all can become inflamed)

Endometriosis
(a condition where fragments of the uterine lining migrate through the fallopian tubes to other parts of the pelvic cavity. the fragments can bleed causing pain during menstruation)

Cervical Problems
(a hormone imbalance may cause a thick cervical mucus that blocks the sperm as they travel along the woman's reproductive tract)

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
(cysts form on the ovaries due to an hormone imbalance, this is a complex condition with many symptoms)

Menstrual Cycle Problems
(irregular or heavy periods)

Amenorrhoea
(absent periods - sometimes caused by long-term contraceptive pill use)

Pre-menstrual Syndrome
(mood swings, pain, becoming tense etc)

Hormonal/Endocrine Imbalances
(varying degrees of oestrogen/progesterone)

The hormone balancing effects of Reflexology may encourage regular periods, help promote ovulation and ease symptoms of Polysystic Ovary Syndrome and Endometriosis.

Male Conditions

Low Sperm Count
(it is considered that a man has a low sperm count when he has less than 20 million spermatozoa per one ml of ejaculate)

Varicoccele
(an enlarged vein in the scrotum draining the testicles, can increase the temperature in the
scrotum and therefore suppressing sperm production)

Both Male and Female Conditions

Stress Related Problems
(excessive worrying or pressure at home or work). See below
Poor Diet and 'Convenience Foods'

Too much or too little exercise

A high alcohol consumption

Stress and Fertility

Anxiety over fertility can become all encompassing, this itself can be detrimental and may affect your ability to conceive. You may feel isolated and unable to talk about your problem, particularly when friends or work colleagues are pregnant or have recently had babies. It's normal to feel a little envious at this time and feel it may never happen for you. However by making some changes to your life, you can maximise your chances and improve your own fertility.

Fertility Reflexology is a harmonising holistic therapy that may help you cope at this time. It works on an emotional and physical level to ease stress and tension. Regular treatments may help to:

Enhance your body's own natural healing abilities
Encourage your body systems to function efficiently
Regulate and balance your hormone levels

It is important that all aspects of your lifestyle are explored at your initial appointment, as there may be a number of contributory factors affecting your fertility. Plenty of time is available to talk before a treatment plan is devised. Fertility reflexology treatments need to be carried out at different times during your menstrual cycle and this will be explained to you.

Regular reflexology treatments, together with some lifestyle changes, may greatly help improve your fertility.

Reflexology as a support to fertility procedures

Reflexology could be used effectively at the very start of fertility investigations. Treatments will help you cope with any medical tests you may need to undergo and prepare you for fertility drugs such as Clomid.

Perhaps you are about to embark upon a programme of assisted conception such as IVF, ICSI, GIFT or ZIFT. If so, Fertility Reflexology gently supports and helps prepare you, on a physical and emotional level, for what lies ahead. The calming and relaxing effects of the therapy are very beneficial and will help ease any anxiety you may be feeling.

Fertility Reflexology treatments at this time will ensure that your body is in the best possible condition and optimise the chances of a successful outcome.

Infertility (or fertility as I prefer to call it!) Reflexology, is a gentle holistic therapy that could help your body and mind to be in the optimum condition to help you conceive.

What could reflexology do for me

Fertility Reflexology may be able to help you if you are experiencing problems conceiving.

Treatments can help you to become calm and relaxed, and help ease any tension and anxiety that you may be feeling while trying to conceive - either naturally or using artificial means.

Fertility Reflexology is excellent in preparing the body prior to IVF treatments by aiding de-toxification, hormone balance and relaxation, if possible six weeks prior to treatment commencing. Infertility (or 'sub-fertility') is after 12 months of trying for a baby naturally, conception has not occurred.

Medical tests may also have shown that there is no reason why you and your partner have not yet conceived (unexplained infertility) or you may already have a child (secondary infertility).

Your ability to conceive depends on a number of factors, but it is essential that both the parents to be are in the optimum of health.

Common causes of infertility