Struggling to conceive?
You’re certainly not alone (although it can often feel that way) but many couples encounter fertility problems when they try to start a family.
Perhaps you’ve just been trying for a while, or have already had some investigations to understand why things haven’t happened for you yet.
Or you may have a reproductive health condition, such as Endometriosis or PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) that can make conception more difficult?
It can often take time to work out a cause (if there is one), which can add to the anxiety you may be feeling.
In my fifteen years of supporting clients in this situation, I’ve seen that reducing stress and making the correct lifestyle choices, may lead to a happy outcome!
Becca N., Little Dunmow
Lifestyle factors
Stress and infertility
Hormone imbalance
How reflexology can help
Assisted conception
INFERTILITY
The term infertility is used if conception hasn’t occurred after 12 months of trying for a baby…
- Unexplained Infertility - You may have had tests showing that there is nothing wrong with either you or your partner.
- Secondary Infertility - Perhaps you already have a child, but are finding it much more difficult to conceive this time around?
- Female Factor Infertility - Other health conditions including PCOS, Endometriosis or Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, that may lead to blocked fallopian tubes and scar tissue.
- Male Factor Infertility - May be caused by abnormal sperm (low count/morphology/motility) or physical damage, due to illness or medical treatment."I initially saw Clare in August as I had been diagnosed with PCOS. My partner and I were trying to conceive but hadn't had any success. Clare gave me some good advice on diet and lifestyle, which I took on board. I hadn't had a cycle for 5 months and after just one reflexology session this happened! I became more regular with my cycles and in December found out I was pregnant {after 9 sessions of reflexology)!"
Emma W., Haverhill
Article - Is reflexology the new cure for infertility?
Lifestyle factors
The ability to conceive depends on many things, but it’s most likely to happen if you and your partner are in good health.
Certain lifestyle factors may have a detrimental impact on fertility and these include:
- Poor diet and 'convenience' foods
- High alcohol intake/‘binge’ drinking
- Long working hours or shift work
- Skipping meals
- Smoking
- Being over/under weight
- Excessive/inadequate exercise
- Regular long-haul travel
- Anabolic steroid use
- Recreational drug use
Vikki J., Wimbish
Stress and infertility
The anxiety over fertility issues can add significantly to stress levels and you may have become trapped in a cycle of expectation and disappointment every month.
Perhaps you feel resentful or jealous whenever a friend, family member or work colleague becomes pregnant?
Please don’t’ be hard on yourself, as these are normal emotions that many others are experiencing too.
Reflexology sessions are designed to promote deep relaxation and will allow you to 'switch off' from everything for a while.
Regular relaxation will help reduce the stress hormone cortisol, which can be very detrimental to the entire reproductive process.
Article - Reflexology: can it aid fertility
Alice T., High Easter
Hormone Imbalance
A whole range of hormones are involved in the reproductive process and these need to be balanced, so that conception can occur.
Health conditions, such as Endometriosis and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), can have a negative impact on hormone levels and may make it harder to conceive.
The good news is that reflexology seems to have a positive effect on balancing hormones, with clients reporting:
Information and Support for Endometriosis
Information and Support for PCOS
How reflexology can help
Emily R., Saffron Walden"
Reflexology works in a subtle way on a physical and emotional level and is especially beneficial for those experiencing fertility problems.
The calming and soothing effects of a reflexology session will gently ease away stress and tension and encourage you to ‘let go’.
You’ll have a safe space to talk (if you want to) and I believe that this can often help clear any emotional blockages and allow you to move forward.
We’ll explore the significance of lifestyle choices during your video consultation and a treatment plan will be devised.
Reflexology may also help enhance your overall health at this time by:
- Boosting your body's own natural healing abilities
- Encouraging all body systems to regulate and function efficiently
- Promoting the elimination of toxins from the body
Support for Assisted Conception
Perhaps you’re already going through fertility investigations or have an IVF cycle planned?
I know this can be a turbulent time emotionally, but I’m here to provide a 'listening ear' and would love to support you throughout your journey…
- Reflexology sessions can help bring balance at each stage of the process and help you to stay calm and positive through the emotional ups and downs of treatment.
- Reflexology encourages deep relaxation and can enhance feelings of wellbeing, which may be especially beneficial at this time.
- Relaxation suppresses production of the stress hormone cortisol, which may help optimise the chances of a successful outcome.
