Integrative Fertility Support for Pelvic Pain and IVF Preparation
North Shore Health – Advanced Care for Reproductive Health and Fertility
Updated June 2025 | 3 min read
Understanding Pelvic Pain and Its Impact on Fertility
Pelvic pain is a common and often misunderstood concern in reproductive medicine. For many women, it may be cyclical, chronic, or related to underlying conditions such as endometriosis, fibroids, pelvic inflammatory disease, or pelvic floor dysfunction. At North Shore Health, we see many patients who are managing pelvic pain in conjunction with their fertility journey—whether they are trying to conceive naturally or undergoing assisted reproductive treatments like IVF.
Pelvic pain can range in severity and character—from dull aching or cramping to stabbing or burning sensations—and may present alongside bloating, bowel or bladder disturbances, or pain during intercourse. Chronic pelvic pain can significantly affect quality of life and emotional wellbeing. In the context of fertility, it may also reflect imbalances or inflammation that interfere with conception or embryo implantation. Through our integrative approach, combining acupuncture, physiotherapy, and Chinese medicine, we offer targeted and evidence-informed therapies to relieve pain, regulate the cycle, and support the reproductive system.
Acupuncture for Pelvic Pain and IVF Preparation
In Chinese medicine, pelvic pain is often interpreted through patterns such as qi stagnation, blood stasis, or damp accumulation in the lower abdomen. These reflect blockages in circulation and energetic flow, which may correspond biologically to inflammation, impaired perfusion, or muscular tension. Acupuncture is used to correct these imbalances, restore movement and harmony to the body, and alleviate pain by improving function at multiple physiological levels.
Current research supports acupuncture as a therapeutic option for pelvic pain. A 2018 review in Pain Medicine concluded that acupuncture can reduce chronic pelvic pain by modulating central and peripheral nervous system activity and regulating inflammatory mediators. In patients with endometriosis—a condition frequently associated with pelvic pain and infertility—studies suggest that acupuncture may help lower prostaglandin levels and improve blood flow to the pelvic organs, thus reducing cramping and promoting healthier tissue environment for implantation.
Acupuncture is also believed to regulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, which controls menstrual cycle hormones. This neuroendocrine support is particularly relevant for women preparing for IVF, where optimal hormonal coordination is essential. A 2022 meta-analysis in Reproductive Biomedicine Online found that patients receiving acupuncture during the IVF cycle had improved implantation rates and reduced emotional distress compared to controls. The benefit was most pronounced when treatment was administered regularly over several weeks prior to embryo transfer, rather than only at the time of transfer.
At North Shore Health, we commonly apply gentle electro-acupuncture during the stimulation phase of IVF to enhance microcirculation to the ovaries and uterus. This is intended to support follicle development, endometrial receptivity, and reduce inflammation. In cases of pelvic pain due to endometriosis, fibroids, or pelvic congestion, local acupuncture points are selected to regulate circulation, relieve muscular tension, and reduce pressure in the pelvic basin.
Physiotherapy for Pelvic Pain and Fertility
Physiotherapy also plays a vital role in treating pelvic pain and supporting fertility. Pelvic floor dysfunction, which includes muscle overactivity or imbalance, is a common contributor to pain and reproductive difficulties. This can result from trauma, inflammation, or even long-standing postural patterns. At North Shore Health, our women’s health physiotherapists conduct comprehensive pelvic assessments and create tailored treatment plans to address these biomechanical and myofascial contributors.
Manual therapy, gentle release techniques, and postural correction can alleviate pelvic tension, improve organ mobility, and restore alignment to support uterine and ovarian function. Physiotherapy is especially helpful for patients with a history of painful periods, painful intercourse, or pelvic surgeries, as well as those with endometriosis-related adhesions that may restrict pelvic mobility.
For IVF patients, physiotherapy enhances overall pelvic function and can reduce pain associated with ovarian stimulation, especially in those with a history of cysts or prior abdominal surgery. When paired with acupuncture, physiotherapy supports whole-body readiness for implantation and pregnancy by reducing stress on pelvic tissues and promoting optimal organ positioning and blood flow.
Integrative IVF Protocols at North Shore Health
Our clinic uses a whole-person approach to IVF preparation, particularly in patients with pelvic pain. Treatment often begins several weeks prior to the IVF cycle to allow time for tissue healing, hormonal balancing, and nervous system regulation. During ovarian stimulation, acupuncture and physiotherapy are adjusted to focus on supporting follicular development and managing side effects such as bloating or pelvic tension. After egg retrieval, treatment may be directed toward alleviating post-surgical discomfort and preparing the endometrium for transfer.
Following embryo transfer, we shift our focus to calming the mind, promoting implantation, and regulating uterine blood flow. Evidence suggests that stress hormones may impair implantation, and acupuncture has been shown to reduce serum cortisol and support the parasympathetic nervous system, enhancing conditions for early pregnancy success. Our treatments during the two-week wait are designed to support these physiological processes and offer emotional reassurance.
Whether you are undergoing IVF, managing chronic pelvic pain, or addressing both simultaneously, the integrated therapies at North Shore Health aim to treat both the root cause and the symptoms of your condition, promoting reproductive health from every angle.
Personalised Fertility Care at North Shore Health
At North Shore Health, we understand that each fertility journey is unique. We bring together expert practitioners in acupuncture, physiotherapy, and Chinese medicine to offer evidence-informed, collaborative care for pelvic pain and IVF preparation. Our goal is not just to manage symptoms but to optimise your body’s ability to conceive and sustain a healthy pregnancy.
If you are dealing with pelvic discomfort, endometriosis, or preparing for IVF, we invite you to contact our clinic and speak with one of our experienced practitioners. A thorough consultation allows us to tailor a treatment plan to your individual needs, combining gentle, effective therapies that support your health and fertility goals.
📍 Serving North Shore, Sydney
📞 Call us at (09) 8065 2034
🌐 www.northshorehealthclinic.com.au
North Shore Health – Supporting Fertility, Relieving Pain, Restoring Hope
Gentle, integrated care for pelvic pain and IVF success.