Common, but not normal
It starts with excitement. Then come the negative tests, the ovulation apps, the questions from family, the feeling that your body is not cooperating. Trying to conceive can become a silent weight.
It is common for pregnancy to take a few months. But there are times when it is worth asking for help: if you have been trying for more than a year — or more than six months from the age of 35 — speak to your gynaecologist or GP about a fertility assessment for you both. Fertility medicine has an essential role, and our work is complementary.
What may be at the root
Fertility depends on many factors, medical and otherwise. On the body’s side, we can look at:
- Your menstrual cycle. Irregular cycles, severe pain or signs of endometriosis deserve medical assessment.
- Pelvic and visceral mobility. Surgery, caesareans, old infections or endometriosis can leave adhesions and tension in the pelvis.
- The pelvic floor. Pain during sex or muscle tension can make intimacy difficult at a time when it matters.
- Stress and sleep. They do not cause infertility on their own, but the emotional toll is real and affects wellbeing.
- The couple. Fertility assessment always involves both partners.
How we can help
In the consultation we listen to your story, your cycles and the tests and treatment you have had. If there has not yet been a medical assessment, we will point you in that direction.
Acupuncture is sought by many women while trying to conceive and during fertility treatment, and many say they feel more balanced and calm; the evidence on its effect on pregnancy rates is not conclusive, and we do not promise results. Visceral osteopathy aims to improve the mobility of the pelvis and pelvic organs. Pelvic physiotherapy helps if there is pain during sex or muscle tension. If you are going through assisted reproduction, we adapt the support to each stage of treatment, in dialogue with your medical team.
What you can do now
- Get to know your cycle. Recording your period and your body’s signs helps you — and your doctor.
- Protect time for yourself. Walking, sleeping well and time as a couple away from the “calendar”.
- Don’t wait too long to seek medical assessment if you recognise yourself in the signs above.
If this sounds like you, get in touch. We will walk this path together.