Fertility

A few answers to a few questions...

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Osteopathy and Fertility

In France, 10% of couples face fertility issues. Among these couples, 60% of the issues originate with the woman and 40% with the man. Interestingly, in about 43% of these infertile couples, both partners have underlying issues.

Osteopathic medicine—like any medical discipline—is not a universal panacea, but it does contribute to the fight against infertility.

It would be too extensive to describe its specific areas of application in detail here (though I am currently doing so in a book I am writing). I will, however, outline the general physiology of conception and the various ways in which osteopathic medicine can intervene in this field.

We will explore this topic through a series of questions and answers, based on inquiries that frequently appear in the emails we receive:

Should one see an osteopath first?

That is certainly an option; depending on your specific situation as a couple, an osteopath can explain what they can do for you and, if necessary, refer you to a specialist or a specialized center.

It is important to remember that the journey toward conception should be a team effort.

In reality, most couples seek out osteopathy only after they have exhausted all the resources offered by conventional medicine.

Can osteopathy treat both women and men?

For women, certainly; they very often present with physical dysfunctions that osteopathy can address. My experience with men is rather limited. Men are more frequently affected by genetic abnormalities—conditions for which osteopathy can offer no remedy—though some of my colleagues are currently exploring ways to improve or rebalance the dysfunctions these individuals may experience.

How can an osteopath intervene in the case of a woman?

To put it very simply, there are two main areas that need to be examined:

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- A - The cranial region, which is the origin of the regulatory function for the uterus and ovaries, controlled by a neuro-hormonal system involving the pituitary gland. A mechanical disturbance—even a very subtle one—in the mobility of the cranium can disrupt the physiology of this regulatory system.

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- B - The pelvic region, which may present with mechanical abnormalities—whether innate (due to abnormal development) or acquired (resulting from surgical trauma, childbirth, infections, endometriosis, etc.).

The practitioner will conduct a physiopathological assessment of mobility (the displacement of structures within space) and tissue motility (the movement of tissues and organs upon themselves). They will then seek to correct mechanical disturbances and balance the various structures through the application of specific osteopathic techniques. The ultimate goal is to restore the body’s structures to their normal physiological state.

How long does the treatment last?

The answer varies significantly from case to case. Personally, I consider that if no pregnancy has been achieved after one year, it may mean that I do not necessarily have the appropriate medical solution for the issue at hand. Nevertheless, the work carried out during this period is invariably a step in the right direction.

As a general rule, following an initial consultation, I decide whether or not to take on a couple as patients, based on criteria that help me determine whether I can be of assistance in their specific situation.

In general—barring exceptional circumstances—we schedule appointments once a month.

What are the success rates for osteopathic treatments?

Even when an osteopathic treatment appears to have "borne fruit," modesty should prevail—perhaps more so here than in any other field—and the primary quality of a practitioner should be humility.

While patients or practitioners may believe that a successful conception is due to osteopathic medicine, it would be quite utopian to claim credit for such a result, given the multitude of factors that contribute to a successful conception.

An "individual" is as indivisible as they are unique. Every case is specific, yet it is always "Nature" that remains sovereign.

The osteopath, like any medical practitioner, is simply there to provide a "helping hand"—a boost to assist the process along.

It is sometimes quite surprising to see rapid results in a complex case, while at other times, one may struggle with problems that appear very simple to resolve.

What role do psychology and the unconscious play in whether or not conception occurs?

We believe this is a good question—and, like all good questions, it is very difficult to answer.

We can simply say that the very act of patients choosing to take charge of their own well-being through medical treatment is an initial step that influences how their body functions.

The unconscious has a way of keeping its own twists, turns, and secrets.

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any further questions on this subject.