Trying to conceive can sometimes be a stressful and disheartening process especially if even after a year of trying there has been no success. It often leads couples to look at natural ways to improve the chances of conception like trying to go on a diet to attain optimal weight, exercise, quitting smoking or drinking, cutting back on caffeine, trying to decrease stress and other ways.
Couples suffering from infertility can be vulnerable and are sometimes willing to try many things in order to have a baby. One of the things couples might consider is a fertility massage. Before trying it out, couples should do a good amount of research to know what the benefits of a fertility massage are and also protect themselves from any misleading.
What is a fertility massage to get pregnant?
In general, a massage is a term for pressing, rubbing, and manipulating the skin, muscles, tendons, and ligaments in order to provide relaxation or for therapeutic purposes. It can range from light stroking to deep pressure on specific parts of the body.
A fertility massage is a type of massage that is aimed at improving the fertility and health of the reproductive organs. It is all natural with supposed benefits that include improved abdominal health, reproductive health and menstrual cycle. A fertility massage may include a deep tissue massage of the abdomen intended to increase circulation which, in turn, is considered to boost fertility.
There are different types of massages some of which include the use of certain acupressure points around the feet called reflexology to benefit the organs. A Swedish massage involves actions like kneading, tapping and rolling to energize the body. A self-fertility massage is a type of massage you give yourself and is intended to boost fertility.
Benefits of a Fertility Massage
- Decrease stress and increase relaxation. Studies show that massages may decrease the levels of stress hormones like cortisol in the body while increasing dopamine and serotonin levels, which are thought to improve mood and well-being.1 In women, stress can increase the cortisol levels which then inhibits estradiol production which in turn leads to deterioration of the egg quality. Stress may also reduce uterus blood flow and it can lead to miscarriage. In men, stress and anxiety can lower the number and motility of sperm in semen as well as percentage of normally shaped sperm.
- Hormonal balance. A regular massage could improve blood flow to the organs and deliver the hormones present in the blood to its destination. It is also thought to release the feel-good hormones like oxytocin which may lead to a healthy hormonal balance.
- Improved circulation. When you increase the blood flow and improve circulation, more oxygenated blood will get to the tissues. This is supposedly good for successful egg transfer during IVF and for endometrial lining.
- Reduce pain and muscle soreness. The release of endorphins which are natural pain killers and also lessen painful periods. It can help people with headaches, muscle pain, sports injuries, and back pain.
There is good evidence that stress can affect the reproductive system and thus the ability to conceive and it can affect both men and women.2-3 A massage could reduce stress and make you more relaxed which can help you conceive because women dealing with infertility often are more stressed and anxious. Fertility issues often involve multiple factors of which stress is just one aspect.
Massages shouldn’t be painful and beware of any overly deep abdominal massage which can cause harm like a ruptured cyst. If it’s painful, ask the masseuse to stop. Also avoid massages if you are pregnant, have an infection, have a fracture, are suffering from burns or wounds that are healing, or deep vein thrombosis.
However, there is very little to no research to prove that fertility massages directly improve fertility.4 In general, massage therapy can be relaxing and with few risks involved, it can be worth trying if just to relieve stress. If you are trying to conceive and are anxious, consult with the best fertility specialists in Pune. Schedule an appointment with Xenith Advanced Fertility Clinic.
