Fertility Massage – Can It Help You Get Pregnant?

The decision to become a mother is both exciting and full of hope. But for many women, trying to conceive can also be a stressful and emotional journey, especially when the test results keep coming back negative. That’s why some turn to natural methods like self-fertility massage to support their bodies and boost their chances of getting pregnant. It sounds soothing, right? But what exactly is it, and can it really help?

Massage and fertility are more connected than you might think. The right kind of massage can help you relax, improve blood flow to your reproductive organs, and make it easier for your body to get ready for pregnancy. In this article, we’ll break down what fertility massage therapy is, how it works, and whether it might be a helpful part of your fertility journey.

What Is a Fertility Massage?

It is a type of massage that is aimed at improving the fertility and health of the reproductive organs. It is an all-natural technique with benefits that include improved abdominal health, reproductive health and menstrual cycle.

Can Fertility Massages Help in Conception?

A massage for getting pregnant; seems odd, right? While there is no research to show that fertility massages directly improve fertility, massages can still help reduce stress (1). Many studies have shown that massages decrease the levels of stress hormones in the body while increasing dopamine and serotonin levels, contributing to improved mood and well-being (2). Therefore, while there is no direct answer to “Do fertility massages work?” combining fertility massages with other healthy lifestyle habits can help increase the chances of conceiving.

Benefits of Fertility Massage

Regularly receiving fertility or womb massages can provide you with many benefits including the following:

1. Hormonal Balance

Massaging regularly can improve blood flow to the organs and deliver the hormones present in the blood to the required destination. This is very important in many cases such as lengthening your cycle, ovulation and thickening the endometrial lining in the womb. Promoting liver function and detoxifying the body can help you get rid of any excess estrogen, preventing estrogen dominance in the body. Fertility massage is also thought to release feel-good hormones like oxytocin (3).

2. Oxygenated Blood

When you increase the blood flow in the body and improve circulation, more oxygenated blood will get to the tissues. Every cell in the body requires oxygenated blood to stay healthy. Moreover, in the pelvic bowl, this can increase good egg quality. Oxygenated blood supply to the womb is required for a successful egg transfer during IVF (4). It is also essential for the endometrial lining to support the implantation of the egg, to help the sperm get into the right place, and optimise the quality of cervical mucous to provide the egg with a healthy environment.

3. Removes Stagnation

Good circulation can not only help in getting good flow in but it also helps improve lymph and blood flow out. This can improve the environment of the tissues since it helps remove the natural cellular waste in the body. Fertility massages can help the womb clear out all the old blood that is stuck inside it after menstruation. This is the brown blood usually seen at the end and beginning of a period, and this usually occurs when the womb is tilted sideways, backward, or forwards. Old blood getting stuck inside is not good since it locally creates toxins and become a contributing factor to intense period pain. Another reason why old blood gets stuck inside could be because the womb is having a hard time contracting and shedding, perhaps due to poor circulation.

4. Scar Tissue

Fertility massages can help break down adhesions and scar tissues that are associated with hysterectomy, caesareans, pelvic issues, blocked fallopian tubes and abdominal surgery. This will also help promote good circulation from and to all the abdominal organs (5).

5. Reduces Pain

Helping the body get rid of the stagnant fluid and old blood can help reduce period pain and increase the health of the womb. The massage will enhance gut motility, aiding the detoxification of the body through regular bowel movements. Since the colon is very close to the reproductive system, it can have a huge impact on the womb’s heath. For example, toxins that are caused by constipation can build up in the area and have a negative impact on the health of the reproductive system. This could also create an environment that can cause pain. Therefore, massaging the area can promote the release of natural painkillers – endorphins (6).

Types of Fertility Massages

There are so many types of fertility massages people use these days. You could even use one of these or two or more of these in combination to increase the chances of conception. However, a few of these massages should only be done by a qualified therapist who has mastered them. A few of the most popular fertility massage techniques are:

1. Deep Tissue Massage

Also known as the Wurn technique (named after the founders), this type of massage therapy is used to clear pelvic adhesions that are usually known for affecting the normal functioning of the fallopian tubes- one of the common causes of infertility. These adhesions are usually caused due to pelvic scarring that happens after surgeries and infections (7). Another form of this technique is the Maya abdominal massage which has been used for centuries in Central America by native healers. Both these massage techniques can be safely combined with other popular techniques and used to improve reproductive disorders.

2. Chi Nei Tsang (CNT)

The Chi Nei Tsang, also known as the ROM (Reproductive Organ Massage), is a form of Eastern medicine to help induce calmness and become relaxed while simultaneously balancing and cleansing the body. The Chi Nei Tsang involves the massage of various internal organs like the stomach, spleen, heart, liver and kidneys, along with reproductive organs like the uterus, ovaries, and uterine tubes. The technique will enhance blood flow in the body and help it recover from tension and stress, restoring the vitality of the organs and improving the chances of conception. This massage technique can be used with other therapies like herbal treatments, acupuncture, and dietary changes.

3. Acupressure

This type of massage therapy is mostly based on the principles of acupuncture. Practitioners of this ancient Chinese system of healing believe that there is a life force or energy called the ‘qi’, which constantly flows through the body along certain pathways called the ‘meridians’. These pathways correspond to various organs in the body but if the flow gets disrupted, then it affects the respective organs and causes sickness. In order to remove the blockages and restore the flow of energy, an acupuncture therapist will apply pressures at different points along the pathways, bringing back balance in the affected organs. This technique can help with infertility and problems related to menstruation.

4. Swedish Massage

This is one of the most popular types of massage techniques and it involves a lighter touch, known for being relaxing. For women who are under a lot of stress during the conception process, this massage technique can help melt the tension away (8).

5. Myofascial Release

The Myofascial Release therapy includes massaging the connective tissues between the internal organs and the muscles. The technique is not only used to treat fertility issues but it can also be used to improve various other conditions like chronic fatigue, chronic back pain, osteoarthritis, and fibromyalgia (9).

6. Reflexology

Reflexology is a technique that uses pressure applied to certain points on the hands and the feet to stimulate the natural healing mechanisms of the body. Though the technique originated in ancient Egypt, it is still used today in many parts of the world to treat various problems including infertility and hormonal imbalances and can be combined with other techniques (10).

7. Abdominal Massage

A lot of therapists focus on the abdomen because they believe that tension gets filled in there, and massaging the abdomen can boost conception efforts. When you are trying to conceive, the abdomen part of your body can be a bit sensitive but keep in mind that massaging there should not be painful. Therefore, if you are doing it on your own or your therapist is doing the Mayan abdominal massage for fertility, be sure to decrease the pressure until it feels comfortable.

8. Shiatsu Massage

The Shiatsu Massage is another pressure-point technique that can be great for areas that correspond with the reproductive organs. It can also help promote deep relaxation.

Risks of Fertility Massages

It is important to know your limits when you do this treatment. If you feel excessive pain, then do not continue this treatment and immediately talk to your doctor. Perform these massages at proper times. Do not try them while you are menstruating, since it may interfere with the body’s natural process. Fertility massages can increase the risk of miscarriage so if you feel like you may be pregnant, stop doing this technique (5).

When to Avoid Fertility Massages?

Fertility massages should not be done during the following situations:

• If you may be pregnant or are pregnant.
• In every month, the time right after ovulation is not the best time for fertility massages, since it may affect the next period
• If you feel pain when massaging. This could be because of some medical condition, and massaging may make it worse.
• During menstruation
• If you are lactating

How to Do a Self-Massage at Home to Get Pregnant?

Here are three techniques you could try on your own at home:

1. Femoral Massage

These fertility massage steps involve massaging the adductor area or inner thighs.

• Sit and gently grab your inner thigh muscles as much as you can, alternating with each hand, from the back to front.
• The goal is to improve lymph and blood flow back to the reproductive organs and the lower abdomen.

2. Abdominal Massage

This is a popular type of massage you can easily do that home.

• Lie on your back and slightly bend your knees. You can support yourself with a soft pillow.
• Reach the left waistline of your body using your right hand and hook onto the side muscles. Drag your hand slowly across your midsection of the abdomen, alternating from the life side to the right. Repeat 9 times on each side. Remember to breathe during the process.
• Now, place both your hands on the sides and, using pressure, move them towards the centre, gathering and pulling the sides together.
• On either side of the navel at the centerline, press down and stroke the abdomen (follow through the palm) towards the pubic bone.
• Your hands must move laterally along the inguinal line, getting back to the body’s side at the waistline.
• Repeat the movement. Many people do this fertility massage with castor oil. 

3. Inguinal (Groin) Massage

This is a very easy self-fertility massage.

• Lie on your back and place your palms where your lower body (groin) and your legs meet. You may be able to feel the pulse known as the femoral pulse, and the intersection is called the femoral triangle.
• Apply gentle pressure with the surface of your ring, middle, and index finger until the pulsing sensation feels stronger.
• Hold it that way for around 15 seconds and release.

Things to Keep in Mind Before Trying Fertility Massages

Before you decide to try fertility massages, it’s important to consider a few things to ensure you’re making the right choice for your body and your fertility journey. Here are a few points to keep in mind:

1. Limited Research on Effectiveness

There isn’t enough solid research to definitively prove that fertility massages directly improve the chances of getting pregnant. While it may be helpful in certain cases, more research is needed to fully understand its impact on fertility.

2. Focus on Overall Well-Being

Fertility massage can be a great addition to your routine for reducing stress and promoting relaxation, but it shouldn’t be relied upon as the sole treatment for infertility. Combining it with a healthy lifestyle, proper nutrition, and regular medical guidance can increase your chances of success.

3. Consult With Your Doctor

Before starting fertility massage therapy, it’s always a good idea to speak with your doctor, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or are undergoing fertility treatments.

FAQs

1. When can I do a fertility massage?

In cases of natural conception, a fertility massage for men and women can be done up to the day before Reflexology. In cases of other methods like intrauterine insemination, in-vitro fertilisation, and zygote intra-fallopian transfer, fertility massage sessions can be done up to the day of sperm donation for males and insemination for females.

2. Can fertility massages help issues like Endometriosis, PCOS, Blocked Tubes and Fibroids?

Fertility massage therapy is believed to treat issues like endometriosis, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), blocked fallopian tubes, uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts, and many other conditions that are reasons for low fertility in women.

3. How often should I get a fertility massage?

The frequency of fertility massage depends on your personal goals and health. Many practitioners recommend once a week, especially during the first few months, to support relaxation and hormonal balance. However, it’s important to listen to your body and consult with a professional to find the right schedule.

Infertility is a complicated issue. Therefore, if you have been trying to conceive for so many months but keep getting only negative results, it might be time to talk to your doctor about fertility massages, infertility treatments, and what your next steps should be.

References/Resources:

1. PubMed Central – Fertility Massage: an Unethical Practice?

2. PubMed – Cortisol decreases and serotonin and dopamine increase following massage therapy

3. Harvard Health Publishing – Oxytocin: The love hormone

4. PubMed Central – Uterine artery Doppler and endometrial blood flow in frozen embryo transfer: A cohort study

5. BiolReprod – Massage techniques

6. Alice Peck Day Memorial Hospital – Top 10 Benefits of Massage Therapy

7. PubMed Central – Manual Physical Therapy for Non-Surgical Treatment of Adhesion-Related Small Bowel Obstructions: Two Case Reports

8. PubMed – Swedish Massage: A Systematic Review of its Physical and Psychological Benefits

9. Cleveland Clinic – Myofascial Release Therapy

10. Cleveland Clinic – Reflexology: What It Is, and Does It Work? 

Also Read:

Acupressure Therapy to Boost Fertility
Ways to Boost Fertility After a Miscarriage
Home Remedies to Increase Fertility in Men and Women
Fertility Supplements That May Help You Conceive