Integrative Approach to Fertility in Osteopathy with Valerie Namer DO

Aeroparc Gilze-Rijen Koffie/thee, lunch & syllabus Engels

Fertility is an intricate and multifaceted topic that encompasses a wide range of factors influencing reproductive health and the ability to conceive. This course delves into the key aspects of fertility, including the physiology of conception, hormonal regulation, the impact of the nervous system, and the role of pelvic health. We also explore how factors such as stress, lifestyle, and environmental influences can affect fertility. Additionally, attention is given to less commonly addressed topics, such as the link between the cranial nerves and reproductive function, as well as the challenges surrounding infertility and miscarriage. This comprehensive approach offers valuable insights for professionals seeking to deepen their understanding of fertility and provide better support for individuals or couples on their fertility journey.

Day 1 – Morning

Icebreaker, participant introductions, sharing of experience in reproduction and expectations
Video debrief with the large group on the issue presented in the video
Fertility: the history of fertility, definitions and statistics, main causes of infertility
Representation and perception of the reproductive system
Semantics of sexuality, reproduction, and infertility; group participation
10:45 AM Break
Practical Workshop 1
- Palpatory and surface anatomy reminders
- Splanchnic and pelvic vascular tree: demonstration, supervision, validation, integration
- Precise identification of male/female reproductive organs: demonstration, supervision, validation, integration
12:30 PM – 2:00 PM Lunch break

Day 1 – Afternoon

Endocrinology of reproduction theory
- Hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis
- FSH, LH, estrogen, progesterone, testosterone
- Influence of other hormones, endocrine glands
- Stress, cortisol, and fertility
3:30 PM Break
Melatonin and fertility
Thyroid and fertility
Pancreas, insulin, and fertility
Heart rate variability and the autonomic nervous system in the context of fertility

Day 2 – Morning

Fertility clinical file
- What should be included in the file for the couple, male, and female
- Development of individual clinical sheets for an osteopathic fertility file
- Group discussion
11:00 AM Break
Global visceral approach
- Diaphragm and peritoneum techniques
12:30 PM Lunch break

Day 2 – Afternoon

Factors influencing fertility
- Lifestyle, role of toxins in infertility
- Conception, physiology, and the symptothermal method
  - Temperature
  - Cervical self-examination
  - Observation of cervical mucus
3:30 PM Break
Practical Workshop 3: Osteopathic techniques for fertility support
- Liver, small intestine
Medical management of fertility:
- Ovarian reserve, sperm analysis, blood tests, ultrasound, laparoscopy
5:30 PM End of Day 2

Day 3 – Morning

Medical management of fertility
- Insemination
- Ovulation induction
- IVF, ICSI, TEF, and embryo transfer
Video: Egg retrieval process, group discussion
10:45 AM Break
Practical: Ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, colon
12:30 PM Lunch break

Day 3 – Afternoon

Endocrine disruptors, definition
- Impacts of endocrine disruptors on reproduction
- Risks to fertility in both men and women, during pregnancy, and for the fetus
- Mechanisms of endocrine disruptors in fertility
- Assisted reproductive technologies (ART) and legislation in Europe
Video: ART in the USA, group discussion
3:15 PM Break
Practical: Urinary system
Complementary approaches to fertility: Meditation, yoga, hypnosis, etc.
Group practice: Heart coherence
Osteopathic support for fertility
- Preparing for conception without ART, evaluation, and recommendations
- Osteopathic support in ART
- Raising awareness of emotional aspects of fertility and perinatal grief
Clinical cases
5:30 PM End of training