The ability to reproduce depends, among other things, on a complex interaction between various hormones. This in turn depends on adequate blood supply, as hormones reach their destination through the blood. Proper blood supply is a necessary component to all body functions and should always be on the top of the list when addressing any health challenges. Things get interesting when we consider the fact that proper movement of blood through the circulatory system is influenced by the position of all other anatomical structures, such as bones, muscles, ligaments, and many more. In other words, the integrity of the anatomical structure will determine the movement of fluids in the body. This is why we must look to the anatomy in order to understand why something in the body is not functioning properly.
The body is designed to be able to reproduce, which means there shouldn’t be any issues assuming all the component parts are present. However, it is not uncommon to see someone who is seemingly healthy, struggle with infertility. Why is this? Knowing that structure (anatomy) determines function, the answer is somewhere in the anatomy. Let's consider how one of these anatomical structures (the artery) influences the function (fertility).
Consider ovulation as an example. Without ovulation, no fertilization can occur. The ability to ovulate requires hormones, and hormones must make it to their target destination (the ovary) through the bloodstream. The blood vessels that supply the ovaries must travel through a ligament that is called the suspensory ligament of the ovary. Knowing that important vessels and nerves travel through this ligament, it makes sense that any abnormal twists and turns put through it will alter the ovary's blood and nerve supply. Now consider the fact that this ligament attaches from the ovary to the lateral abdominal wall. Suddenly, the position of the abdomen, lumbar spine, and pelvis become very important with regards to ovulation! In other words, if the pelvis and abdomen do not have equal range of motion left to right and in all planes, the flow of blood through this artery may be altered.
This same thought process can be applied to other important components of fertilization. For example: the contractions of the uterine tubes which connect the ovaries to the uterus. These contractions require estrogen and they are necessary for moving the egg through the uterine tube where it can be fertilized. Seeing as estrogen is necessary for this, it is logical that proper blood supply to the uterine tubes is primordial.
This is where osteopathy steps in. If there are motion restrictions or asymmetries in the body, the blood supply will be altered. An Osteopathic Manual Therapist (OMT) can re-establish motion and symmetry through gentle manual manipulation in order to allow your blood vessels to supply the tissues they are meant to supply, without interruption or obstruction.
Of course this is only one very small component of a larger picture. Fertility is a very complex subject and there are many different pieces to the puzzle, but blood supply is one of them. There are also many other examples of the importance of blood supply in both the male and female reproductive systems. If you are interested in exploring the benefits of osteopathy during your journey, feel free to contact me or come in for a free meet-and-greet, I would love to chat.