Step by step guide to practise self fertility massage at home

Self fertility massage (or womb massage) is another practice you can use to relieve the stress of trying to conceive and improve your chances of conception. I know too well that feeling of panic that can start to creep in when you’re struggling to conceive. Fertility massage is an antidote to that anxiety.

Please note. This post may contain affiliate links. This means that I receive a small commission if you purchase anything through this link. (It won’t cost you anything extra). Thank you for supporting my work.

What are the benefits of self fertility massage?

+ improves blood flow to support the lymphatic, circulatory and nervous systems (all essential for conception)

+ fertility massage helps realign the pelvic and reproductive organs

+ it can help improve reproductive organ function by releasing physical and emotional congestion

+ helps to calm the nervous system and balance hormones caused by the stress response

+ can help you to process trauma of previous losses or medical treatments

Want to learn more about the benefits of fertility massage? This video goes into more detail.

When should you do a massage for fertility?

Fertility massage should change depending on the stage of the cycle that you’re currently in. If you’re going to book in for a treatment with a therapist, book in after your period finishes and before ovulation for the best results. During assisted fertility treatments you can also book in after menstruation and before transfer or insemination.

You can practise self fertility massage every day if you like, though what you do will change throughout your cycle.

How should the massage change throughout your cycle?

Menstruation – While you have your period massage should be gentle and nurturing. We won’t press into the reproductive organs at this time as they are often swollen and can be sore. Massage at this time focuses on providing comfort and recognises that you may be in physical pain, sad and experiencing disappointment.

Pre-ovulation – This is the stage of the cycle where we are able to work most deeply into the reproductive system. (This is why I recommend this stage if you are paying for a massage). During this stage of the cycle we will gently manipulate the womb and release the ligaments and tendons that hold her in place. This will help to create alignment in the pelvis to ensure blood flow isn’t congested.

Ovulation and the two-week-wait – After ovulation we avoid working into the reproductive system in case pregnancy has occurred. It is also best to avoid this area at this stage (even if you aren’t ttc) as the womb may be increasingly tender as we move towards menstruation.

What does the research say about fertility massage?

While there is currently very little evidence around the fertility-specific benefits of massage, there has been many studies that show the benefits of massage in relieving stress, which has been linked to both male and female infertility.

In the work I do giving fertility massage, I have heard countless positive stories of the results women have experienced. Many share that their cycles become more regular, they have less pain around menstruation and feel more connected to this space in their body.

If you’re feeling doubtful, I would recommend that you try fertility massage for yourself. What’s the worst that can happen? You feel more relaxed afterwards?

How to do a fertility massage on yourself

1. Go to the toilet so that you are comfortable pressing into your abdominal organs throughout the massage.
2. Lie down and get comfortable. You can practise self-massage on a bed, couch or yoga mat. Use as many props as you need. (I always like to have a bolster under my knees to support my lower back).
3. Put massage oil or lotion on your hands.
4. Start by massaging in a clockwise direction around the belly button. Move slowly, and gradually increase the size of your circle. If you notice any parts of the belly are tender, gently massage into these areas (remember to breathe as you do this!)
5. You can also work in and under the ribs and down the side of the belly as well. Continue gently massaging into the belly for as long as you enjoy.
6. If you are between menstruation and before ovulation you can also work into the womb and ovaries. Find the pubic bone and move your fingers up towards your belly button. You should be able to feel your womb a couple of centimetres above your pubic bone. Once you’ve found your uterus you are going to gently press in and sweep across from left to right, and then from right to left. If you notice any tension or soreness, work into that area for a little longer, but be gentle.
7. Bring the fingers down to the pubic bone and gently scoop your fingers in as if you were trying to gently lift the womb upwards towards the belly. Breathe in as you scoop and breathe out as you release.
8. Bring both hands to cover the womb and take three full deep breaths into this space.
9. Return to circling the hands around the belly and sweeping down towards the womb in a gentle clockwise motion.

What can’t you do during self-massage?

While I am a huge advocate for practising fertility massage on yourself, there are a few areas that we can’t do on our own. When giving fertility massage we also work into the back side of the pelvis to release ligaments and tendons, that can be responsible for a misaligned uterus. We can also work with compressing the main artery at the top of the leg to help flush the abdominal organs with fresh blood.

Fertility massage also involves energetic work and isn’t purely about the physical body. There is something purely magical about receiving in this space. If you’re able to access a fertility massage therapist I highly recommend booking in. If you can’t, a self fertility massage is the next best thing.

What does a fertility massage look like?

Fertility massage is practised differently throughout the different stages of your menstrual cycle. For example we massage into the womb and ovaries during pre-ovulation, but avoid this area after ovulation. This massage below is suitable for the two week wait below and will give you an idea of what to expect.

What now?

1. Check if there is a fertility massage therapist in your area. Reach out to me if you’re in Brisbane, Ipswich or the Sunshine Coast.
2. Purchase a the fertility massage series so you can also practise at home.
3. Get yourself a massage oil to start practising.