Mercier therapy helps infertile women achieve pregnancy.

Introduction Among women ages 15–44, 6.7 million have impaired ability to have children, 1.5 million are infertile, and 7.4 million have used infertility services in their lifetime (www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/fertile.htm). Now more than ever, women are having their fertility manipulated by reproductive endocrinology clinics and are undergoing multiple cycles without knowing the long-term effects of fertility drug use. Purpose/Aim Articles have been written about soft tissue abdominal and pelvic work alleviating fertility challenges, but no clinical research has been performed. The purpose of this study is to confirm that the use of site-specific, manual soft tissue therapy is valid as a standalone treatment and with assisted reproductive technologies to help women become pregnant. The therapy used in this study is called Merciér Therapy. It involves gentle manipulation of the uterus and/or massage on a consistent basis—normally twelve sessions over a one-month period. Merciér Therapy not only addresses fertility challenges but also improves soft tissue mobility and breaks down adhesions to relieve pelvic pain. Jennifer Merciér, the study's author, practices in the Chicago area. But those living outside the area can benefit from her therapy as well, being treated over a four-day weekend rather than a one-month period. Merciér also trains licensed professionals in performing Merciér Therapy. Visit www.merciertherapy.com to learn more about her technique and training. Materials and Methods Forty-eight women ages 28–42 were interviewed and underwent at least two sessions of Merciér Therapy in Mercier's clinic in Illinois as well as the coauthor's office in Arkansas. Both offices are holistic, clinical, multidisciplinary environments. The women selected for the study all complained of primary and secondary fertility challenges regardless of age, current or past pathological condition, prior surgical intervention, prior treatment, and history of no treatment. Results Eighteen women achieved pregnancy within the first six months of their first Merciér Therapy sessions. Twenty-two women achieved pregnancy within one year of their first Merciér Therapy session. Eight women did not become pregnant. Of the forty women who became pregnant, thirty-two used Merciér Therapy as a standalone treatment; six used in-vitro fertilization; two used a combination of Clomid and intrauterine insemination. Relevance By educating participants about their fertility and cycles and using Merciér Therapy soft tissue manipulation to increase organ mobility and blood flow while enhancing optimal organ function, women responded very well without use of heavy-handed reproductive methods. Conclusions Merciér Therapy has proven beneficial in helping couples to achieve pregnancy in a diverse …