Improve Your IVF Success with a Proven Hands-On Therapy

Overview

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a remarkable and complex process in which sperm and egg are united outside the body, then implanted into a woman’s reproductive tract. While success rates of IVF have steadily increased since the first successful transfer in 1978, physicians and patients are stymied by the fact that success rates with IVF remain around 30% per attempt and 41% per transfer, as reported by the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC). ²

Recently, a new manual physical therapy (Wurn Technique®, patent pending) was shown to increase in vitro fertilization (IVF) success rates to 67% when used prior to IVF transfer.¹ Published medical studies also showed a significant increase in IVF pregnancies for older women and those with multiple prior failed IVF attempts. In a recent study, women who had not become pregnant in two or more prior IVF attempts achieved a 71% pregnancy rate and 57% live birth rate with their first IVF after receiving this therapy.¹

The therapy appears to be an important adjunct for many women as they near the end of their reproductive age. In fact, one 48-year-old patient recently became pregnant and delivered twins after therapy and IVF using her own fresh eggs.

The “hands-on” therapy appears to decrease spasm and mechanical factors (such as adhesions) at the uterus, cervix, and fallopian tubes. Data indicates that the therapy increases implantation rates and may improve FSH levels. A recently published scientific study showed a true pregnancy rate that was significantly higher than the US pregnancy rates for in vitro fertilization, as reported by the CDC (US Centers for Disease Control) and the ASRM (American Society of Reproductive Medicine).¹ Please see our success rates for the most current data.

How can this improve my chances with IVF?

As we go through life, all of us develop tiny (or large) internal adhesions wherever we heal. Adhesions form after inflammation, infection, surgery, or trauma. The female reproductive tract is subject to many inflammations in life. Many women also have a contributing history of infection (bladder, yeast, etc.) or trauma (falls onto buttock, accidents, abuse). Surgeries often present significant trauma, and may add to the problem. Adhesions form as the first step in the healing process. They can form on the outer or inner walls of the uterus (as shown at right), creating a less hospitable surface for implantation. Adhesions also cause spasm or inflammation in the uterus, further complicating or preventing pregnancy.

Adhesions from endometriosis, inflammation, infection, or surgery can form on or within any of the reproductive structures. When they do, they act like a strong glue, decreasing that organ's ability to function properly.

Adhesions deep within the cervix (see box at left) can pull the cervix out of its relaxed midline position, causing spasm and inflammation there and up into the uterus. Adhesions can create a pull on the uterus with every step taken, causing further spasm and uterine adhesions. These tiny adhesions can tighten the cervix at the opening to the uterus, making sperm transfer (whether through intercourse, IUI, or IVF) more difficult.

Some women have been diagnosed by their physician with cervical stenosis or fibrosis (stiffness) evidenced by palpation, and by difficult IVF transfers. We feel that these conditions are caused by tiny adhesions attaching between the muscle cells within the walls of the cervix. When we treat the area, we find that positive changes are generally palpable to us and to your physician. IVF transfer then becomes easier and implantation rates appear to increase significantly (per published studies).

In summary, we believe therapy assists IVF transfer by:

• decreasing adhesions & spasm in the reproductive tract
• increasing blood flow to the ovaries and uterus
• improving cervical mobility and ease of transfer
• improving implantation by decreasing adhesions on and within the uterine wall

How do I time therapy with my IVF cycle?

Therapy is a 20-hour program completed in as little as five days for out-of-town patients or spread over several weeks for local patients. For best results, you should receive therapy within 15 months prior to transfer. We can treat up to two weeks before you begin ovarian stimulation (the start of your follicle stimulating medication) or up to two weeks before transfer for an un-stimulated cycle.

Considering the remarkable advantage our study patients had over IVF patients who did not receive therapy first, you may want to postpone your next IVF cycle for one or two menstrual cycles, to attend therapy first. Since the positive effects of therapy appear to last for over a year, you do not need to receive IVF transfer immediately after therapy. We suggest you attend therapy between one and 15 months, prior to your IVF transfer.

1. Wurn BF, Wurn LJ, King CR, Heuer MA, Roscow AS, Scharf ES, Shuster JJ. Treating Female Infertility and Improving IVF Pregnancy Rates with a Manual Physical Therapy Technique. Med Gen Med 2004 Jun 18; 6(2): 51. PMID 15266276.
2. 2001 Assisted Reproductive Technology Success Rates: National Summary and Fertility Clinic Reports, Atlanta, GA: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, 2003: [Fig. 3, pg. 15] and [National Summary, pg. 71.]