This is a growing problem in western society. Currently in the UK one in six couples are infertile. The possibilities as to the potential causes of this are beyond the remit of this discussion. Osteopathy however, perhaps surprisingly for some, does have a part to play in the relief of this sometimes heartbreaking problem.
I usually work in conjunction with other health professionals when attempting to help couples experiencing difficulty in this area. Faced with conventional medical wisdom most are urged directly towards more and more invasive procedures culminating in IVF treatment. This is obviously a wonderful invention that has helped many people. Unfortunately little credence is given to what I believe should be common sense considerations before this path is embarked upon. These include a variety of factors. Dietary and nutritional matters including cleanses, fasts, and an accurate mineral assessment are of paramount importance for example. As are considerations such as heavy metal toxicity. Indeed some studies have shown far better success rates using these types of approaches on their own rather than with IVF.
Osteopathy can similarly make all the difference in the world if there are treatable problems in the structure of the body affecting the reproductive system in either men or women. These can arise as a result of injury such as a car accident or other direct blow: long term changes can arise in the form of compromised blood circulation or disturbed nervous control of the organs concerned. This can result in sub-fertile men with a low sperm count for example.
Problems of adhesions after surgery after abdominal surgery [eg: appendectomy] affecting the functioning of the uterus can sometimes be ameliorated. If there is a strain within the cranial bones affecting the pituitary gland and thereby overall hormonal control this can also be a correctable problem. Very often if this is the case there are other difficulties such as bloating, water retention, period pain or irregularity, PMT and even on some occasions Osteoporosis. An assessment by an experienced Cranial Osteopath is indicated in all cases for people struggling in this emotionally charged area.
