Infertility and osteopathy

In a world where our modern habits have a profound impact on our health, infertility has become a major issue. Processed food, chronic stress, endocrine disruptors and hectic lifestyles all contribute to upsetting our hormonal balance. Yet it is possible to reverse the trend by adopting healthier habits and integrating holistic approaches.

As an osteopath, I've seen how a holistic approach, combining a balanced diet, emotional well-being and natural methods, can play a decisive role in the ability to conceive.

Whether you are undergoing MAP (stimulation, in vitro fertilization) or trying naturally, these tips are made for you, they are the fruit of infertility training:

According to the latest studies, around 1 in 6 couples in France have difficulty conceiving after a year of trying, which represents almost 3 million people concerned.

The causes of infertility are divided as follows:

• around 33% female,
• 20% of male origin
• 8% remain unexplained.

These figures reveal the scale of the problem, and the importance of considering multiple approaches to tackling it. 

Infertility can be linked to a variety of factors, and the causes are vast. It is therefore important to have medical examinations to detect the cause when infertility occurs, i.e. after one year of attempts, or after 6 months after the age of 35.

In women, ovulatory disorders such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis are frequent causes.

In men, sperm abnormalities such as low sperm concentration or poor sperm quality play a major role. Other factors include immune problems, past infections, and exposure to toxic substances or endocrine disruptors.

Finally, in 8% of cases, no cause is identified!

Intermittent fasting is much more than just a dietary fad, it's a powerful tool for treating certain causes of infertility. By spacing out meals over a limited period of time, the body optimizes its metabolic processes. This practice can reduce inflammation, improve insulin sensitivity and regulate the hormones involved in reproduction, notably estrogen and progesterone. These effects are particularly beneficial for women suffering from disorders such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or hormonal imbalances.

In men, intermittent fasting can also play a role, increasing testosterone levels and improving sperm quality. The practice thus promotes optimal reproductive health for both partners. 

However, it is advisable to be accompanied to avoid deficiencies. If you have a history of eating disorders and wish to try intermittent fasting, it is essential to be accompanied by a professional.

Light therapy, well known for its positive effects on mood regulation, is also a promising approach to supporting fertility. By stimulating exposure to calibrated natural or artificial light, it promotes the production of melatonin, a hormone essential for regulating biological cycles, including the menstrual cycle. Melatonin also acts as a powerful antioxidant, protecting eggs from oxidative damage that can impair their quality.

In addition, light therapy stimulates the production of serotonin, the precursor to melatonin, contributing to a better synchronization of hormonal cycles. These benefits are all the more crucial in winter, when lack of natural light can disrupt circadian rhythms, or for those living in regions with little sunshine.

Light therapy in a nutshell:

Excess sugar in the modern diet has profound consequences on metabolic balance, notably by increasing hyperinsulinemia and promoting chronic inflammation. These two factors directly disrupt key reproductive hormones, such as insulin, which also influences estrogen and progesterone.

The ketogenic protocol, such as the Reversa protocol, which is based on a strict nutritional approach with a significant reduction in carbohydrates and an increased intake of high-quality lipids, has proved effective in restoring these balances.

This type of ketogenic protocol, by optimizing ketogenesis (ketone body production), helps the body to better manage its energy resources while reducing systemic inflammation.

• It is also designed to improve oocyte quality in women, even in the absence of pathologies such as PCOS, by stimulating better regulation of hormonal cycles.
• For men, this diet proves beneficial in increasing sperm quality and motility, by reducing the negative effects of sugars on the reproductive system.

In addition, the protocol emphasizes high-quality fats, such as those found in extra-virgin olive oil, nuts, seeds and oily fish rich in omega-3s, which play a central role in the synthesis of sex hormones. In short, this dietary approach not only regulates carbohydrate intake, but also proposes a genuine strategy for restoring a fertility-friendly environment.

In women with a history of anorexia or eating disordersreplenishing fat reserves is essential. In fact, fat deficiency can affect the pituitary gland, essential for hormonal regulation, notably in the production of FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) and LH (luteinizing hormone), which orchestrate menstrual cycles. A sufficient intake of good fats, such as those contained in quality vegetable oils, avocados or nuts, is therefore crucial to restoring not only lipid reserves, but also the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, thus promoting the return of regular menstrual cycles.

Sleep is an essential element of overall well-being, and plays a central role in reproductive health for both men and women. Optimal sleep quality and quantity are essential for maintaining hormonal balance, supporting gamete production (sperm and oocytes) and promoting the chances of conception.

In men, deep, restful sleep is crucial for the production of testosterone, a key hormone in spermatogenesis. Most testosterone is secreted during the deep phases of sleep. Sleep deprivation or sleep disorders can lead to :

• A drop in testosterone levels.
• Impaired sperm quality (motility, concentration and morphology).
• Disruption of circadian rhythms, which regulate hormonal cycles.

For women, sleep is just as crucial to fertility. It directly influences the balance of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, which regulates female sex hormones such as FSH, LH and progesterone. These hormones play a key role in :

• The proper functioning of the menstrual cycle.
• Oocyte maturation.
• Preparation of the uterus for implantation.

Disturbed sleep can lead to irregular menstrual cycles, inadequate ovulation, and even increase the risk of infertility. What's more, the stress associated with sleep deprivation can exacerbate these imbalances.

Sleep disorders such as insomnia, sleep apnea, or staggered sleep schedules can have an impact on fertility:

• In men: reduced sperm quality, associated with increased levels of the stress hormone cortisol, and a drop in testosterone.
• For women: an altered ovulatory cycle and an increased risk of disorders such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), often linked to poor hormonal regulation.

Poor sleep is often associated with weight gain, in both men and women. Obesity can disrupt hormonal balance:

• In men, it reduces testosterone and impairs sperm production.
• In women, it can cause menstrual irregularities and ovulatory dysfunction.

• Adopt a regular routine: go to bed and get up at set times.
• Create an environment conducive to sleep: a dark, quiet room with a pleasant temperature.
• Reduce sources of stress: Meditation, yoga or breathing exercises.
• Limit blue light before bedtime: Screens affect the production of melatonin, essential for sleep and hormonal rhythms.
• Adopt a balanced diet: focus on foods rich in magnesium, zinc and antioxidants.

Sleep is a fundamental pillar of fertility for both men and women. It has a direct impact on the hormonal balance required for gamete production, female cycle progression and sperm quality. By taking care of your sleep, you not only improve your general health, but also your chances of conceiving. Good sleep hygiene should therefore be an integral part of any parenthood preparation program.

Fertility is the result of a complex balance between the body, hormones and emotions. Osteopathy, as a holistic, manual approach, contributes effectively to the removal of blockages that can hinder conception, whether mechanical, circulatory or emotional in origin. By working on the whole body and supporting patients with a sympathetic ear, the osteopath creates conditions conducive to fertility.

Tension or restrictions in the pelvic region, often due to scarring (such as from surgery or endometriosis), prolonged postures or trauma, can limit the mobility of the reproductive organs. These mechanical restrictions disrupt their optimal functioning.

Using gentle, targeted manipulations, the osteopath releases areas of tension and restores proper function. In medicine, it's said that "structure governs function and function governs structure". The osteopath's role is to work on structure to optimize function.

Good blood and lymph circulation is essential for supplying oxygen and nutrients to the reproductive organs, and for eliminating toxins. Mechanical stress can limit this vital supply.

By freeing structures in the abdomino-pelvic region, osteopathy promotes optimal vascularization. This work is particularly beneficial for improving the quality of oocytes and spermatozoa, as well as for preparing the uterus to welcome an embryo in the best possible conditions.

One of the great strengths of osteopathy is its holistic approach. An osteopath doesn't just treat symptoms; he or she analyzes the whole body to identify dysfunctions that may affect fertility. This includes :

• A sympathetic and attentive ear: Many patients on the fertility journey suffer from stress or frustration that can affect their equilibrium. The osteopath offers a space in which to release these tensions.
• Personalized advice: Diet, posture, stress management... The osteopath offers recommendations adapted to the lifestyle and specific needs of each patient.
• Emotional support: The ability to conceive is deeply linked to one's emotional state. Osteopathy helps to relieve mental and physical tension, contributing to a favorable environment for conception.

Miscarriage A miscarriage, beyond the emotional shock, can leave physical after-effects, such as pelvic or abdominal tension. By helping the body to regain its mechanical balance and supporting patients emotionally, osteopathy promotes better recovery and prepares the body for a future pregnancy.

In PMA / IVF In the context of medically assisted reproduction (MAP), osteopathy acts as a true ally. By optimizing uterine vascularization and removing mechanical restrictions, it prepares the ground for successful implantation. What's more, by reducing stress and releasing muscular tension, osteopathy helps create a welcoming environment for the embryo.

It is therefore ideal to consult an osteopath at the start of MAP, then a few days before induction with or without insemination, as well as during the stimulation phases of in vitro fertilization (except in the case of hyperstimulation) and a few days before an embryo transfer.

Osteopathy actively contributes to fertility by removing mechanical blockages, improving vascularization and restoring the body's overall balance. Thanks to a caring, personalized approach, it accompanies patients at every stage of their journey, whether to overcome a difficulty in conceiving, recover after a miscarriage or optimize the chances of success before an embryo transfer.

By taking into account both body and mind, osteopathy offers a global and natural solution to support fertility and regain confidence in one's parental project.

Infertility is a major challenge faced by many couples, but solutions exist to deal with it holistically. By integrating complementary approaches such as osteopathy, adapted diet, intermittent fasting and light therapy, and by paying attention to fundamental elements such as sleep, it is possible to re-establish the balances necessary for optimal fertility.

These interventions, based on scientific and natural principles, provide effective support for the body, whether as a complement to a medical course or as part of a natural approach. Each individual is unique, and personalized support that takes into account physical, emotional and environmental factors can make a real difference.

As an osteopath, my aim is to offer you holistic support to maximize your chances of conceiving. Taking care of your body, your mind and your lifestyle means giving your parental project every chance of becoming a reality. You're not alone on this journey, and every effort counts in your progress towards happy parenthood.