Mercier Therapy for Fertility: A Restorative Approach to Reproductive Health
- Dr. Ashley Richiardi, DC
- Jul 27
- 6 min read
Updated: Aug 14
Mercier Therapy is a specialized form of pelvic therapy that offers a non-invasive, holistic approach to support pelvic health and fertility. It involves gentle, external manipulation of the pelvis and reproductive organs to restore mobility, blood flow, and increase lymphatic drainage. It is especially beneficial for women with a history of pelvic pain, endometriosis, adenomyosis, pelvic/abdominal surgery, tubal blockages, recurrent implantation failure, and infertility.
Whether you're trying to conceive naturally or with the support of assisted reproductive technology, Mercier Therapy may be the missing link in your fertility journey. Rooted in a restorative approach to reproductive health, this gentle, hands-on therapy is designed to support and enhance your body’s natural fertility potential. It can also be a powerful tool in preparing for IUI or IVF, helping to optimize outcomes. In this post, we’ll explore how Mercier Therapy works and the science behind its role in supporting reproductive wellness.
Mercier Therapy: How it Works
Mercier Therapy is a unique pelvic therapy technique designed to support and restore function in the reproductive organs and enhance fertility. Created by Dr. Jennifer Mercier, a naturopath, midwife, and women's health advocate, this therapy focuses on improving pelvic mobility, circulation, and overall organ health.
Over time, adhesions (sticky bands of connective tissue) can form in the pelvic region due to surgery, injury, infection, or chronic inflammation. These adhesions may restrict mobility and blood flow to the uterus, ovaries, or surrounding structures, leading to pelvic pain, hormone disruption, or fertility challenges.
Mercier Therapy uses strategic, non-invasive pelvic viceral (organ) manipulation to release these adhesions, enhance blood flow, and create a more balanced environment for reproductive healing. It’s a powerful, nurturing approach for women seeking to reconnect with their bodies and support fertility.
Unlike single-cycle fertility treatments with all-or-nothing results, Mercier Therapy builds benefits gradually as the body heals and restores balance. It takes approximately three months for an egg to fully mature, so many women begin to see the full impact of the therapy around month 4 to 6 following completion of the 6 session protocol.
Natural, restorative reproductive health methods like Mercier Therapy work with your body’s rhythms—not against them. Healing happens gradually, and by supporting the body gently and holistically, we often see deeper, more sustainable change over time.
The Importance of Pelvic Health
Pelvic health plays a foundational role in reproductive function. The pelvis houses the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries—all intricately connected and dependent on healthy movement, blood flow, and alignment to function properly.
One key example: the ovaries are not directly attached to the fallopian tubes. Instead, tiny, hair-like structures called cilia within the tubes must gently sweep the egg from the ovary toward the uterus. This process relies on the mobility of the surrounding structures—and any restriction, such as adhesions or inflammation, can interfere with this delicate journey.
Fallopian tubes themselves are extremely narrow (about the thickness of a human hair) so even minor blockages or adhesions from past infections, surgeries, or endometriosis can impact fertility. Similarly, restricted blood flow or poor pelvic alignment can affect uterine lining development, making implantation more difficult.
Factors like pelvic surgery, injury, hormonal imbalances, chronic inflammation, or even stress can all contribute to pelvic tension or dysfunction. When the pelvic organs are unable to move freely, it may lead to symptoms such as pain, cycle irregularity, or difficulty conceiving.
Mercier Therapy helps address these issues by gently restoring mobility, improving circulation, and releasing restrictions in the pelvic region. By supporting the natural function and alignment of reproductive organs, it creates a more favorable environment for conception and overall pelvic wellness.
A Holistic, Evidence-based Approach
Mercier Therapy isn’t just a holistic approach—it’s also backed by clinical research. A four-year study published in Midwifery Today reported an 83% pregnancy success rate in women using Mercier Therapy to support natural conception, even in complex cases involving endometriosis, surgical history, or unexplained infertility.
Another five-year study focused on women preparing for IVF, showing an 87.7% pregnancy success rate when Mercier Therapy was completed before IVF. These results highlight how restoring mobility and circulation in the pelvic organs can directly improve reproductive outcomes.
In my personal practice, I’ve seen some miracles. Women told they’d never conceive or be able to use their own eggs getting pregnant naturally. Others who had experienced multiple failed IVF rounds finally having success after incorporating Mercier Therapy. Women with a history of miscarriage finally carrying to term. Natural pregnancy after being diagnosed with blocked fallopian tubes. Women who were to told they got started too late defying the odds.
One of my favorite things a client has told me (other than 'I'm pregnant!') was- "this is the only fertility related appointment I look forward to." I understand how hard this journey can be, and I feel blessed I am able to offer a restorative approach that helps women truly heal.
Whether your path involves natural conception, IUI, or IVF, Mercier Therapy offers a powerful way to support your body, improve outcomes, and restore hope.
FAQs about Mercier Therapy
Have questions about what Mercier Therapy involves or how it fits into your fertility journey? Below are some of the most common questions I hear from women curious about this gentle, hands-on approach to reproductive health.
What is Mercier Therapy? It’s a gentle, specialized form of pelvic therapy that helps restore mobility and optimal blood flow to the uterus, ovaries, and surrounding pelvic organs to enhance function.
Who can benefit from Mercier Therapy? Women with a history of infertility, endometriosis, pelvic surgeries (like C-section or myomectomy), menstrual pain, or hormonal imbalances.
Is it painful? Not at all. Deep pressure is used, but most clients describe it as deeply relaxing and supportive. If there are any areas of tenderness, we will work within your comfort level.
How many sessions are needed? The foundational fertility protocol includes six 60 minute sessions, with additional sessions as needed based on your personal needs and goals. We do offer a condensed treatment plan for women traveling from out of town, four 90 minute sessions that can be completed in 4 days.
Can I combine Mercier Therapy with other treatments? Yes! We include myofascial release, cupping, castor oil, and near-infrared light therapy to enhance outcomes. Mercier Therapy can also be used to complement IVF, IUI, and holistic care like acupuncture, chiropractic, or functional nutrition.
How do I get started? Schedule a Mercier Therapy Consultation to review your cycle patterns, health history, and fertility goals. Together, we’ll create a personalized plan that supports your body, honors your journey, and helps you move forward with confidence.
Personal Testimonials
Women often come in feeling like their bodies have failed them—frustrated, exhausted, and out of options. But healing is possible. These stories are powerful reminders of how the body can respond when we gently and intentionally support it with the right tools, including Mercier Therapy and a functional, whole-body approach.
"I had been trying to get pregnant for over 11 years, had done every treatment, including 5 rounds of IVF, and was told donor embryos were my only option. I wasn't ready to give up on my dream, so I traveled to see Dr. Ashley over a long weekend and completed Mercier Therapy. I shocked everyone, myself included, when I got pregnant at 46!" -V.T.
“After multiple failed rounds of IVF, endo surgery, another failed round of IVF following surgery (and SO many acupuncture appointments), I decided I needed to try something else before attempting another transfer... My menstrual cycle between my therapy and my transfer was so incredibly painless, I was shocked. I am happy to say I am currently 37.3 weeks pregnant with our final embryo. I could go on an on about how thankful I am to have experienced Dr. Ashley and [Mercier Therapy], but what I will say is this: it was 100% worth it. In my heart, I truly believe it played a HUGE role in the success of this final transfer.” -L.Q.
"I had been trying to conceive for 2 years, and was diagnosed with unexplained infertility. I heard about Mercier Therapy from a friend that had success with it and decided to try it. Based on my cycles and pelvic pain, we suspected I had endometriosis so I got on the waiting list for surgery. I got my first positive pregnancy test one month before I was scheduled for surgery!" -J.B.
"I found Mercier Therapy to help me recover physically and emotionally from a csection after a late loss. Dr. Ashley was so kind and supportive, and really helped me navigate an extremely difficult time in my life. My first son was born through IVF, so I was planning on doing another transfer once my body recovered. I got pregnant naturally 8 months later with my rainbow baby girl." -S.G.
"I did 6 medicated cycles, 3 IUIs, 2 ERs and 8 transfers that all failed. I had to take a break from treatments for my own sanity. Mercier Therapy has been such an amazing change of pace from traditional fertility treatments, it is truly the only appointment I look forward to." -B.A.
Your journey is unique, but you don’t have to walk it alone. If you are looking for a holistic approach to fertility, I’d be honored to support you.
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