Therapy to Increase IVF Success Rates
Published medical study shows 67% IVF pregnancy rate when a new physical therapy technique is used before transferOverview
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. 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.
The 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). Please see the 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 walls of the uterus, creating a less hospitable surface for implantation. Adhesions also cause spasm or inflammation in the uterus, further complicating or preventing pregnancy.
endometriosis (left) and adhesions (right) can form outside the uterusAdhesions deep within the cervix (see box, right side of image) can pull the cervix out of alignment, causing spasm and inflammation there and throughout 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 with cervical stenosis or fibrosis (stiffness) evidenced 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 becomes easier and implantation rates appear to increase significantly (per published studies).
Clear Passage therapists apply very specific manual physical therapy techniques throughout the reproductive tract in order to decrease adhesions, stenosis, and spasm. Once the organs are released from these adhesions they move more freely and function more normally.
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 uterine adhesions
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 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.
