Falls on the tailbone, prolonged sitting, frequently sucking in the belly while standing, chronic infections and postsurgical scar tissue within the pelvis can all contribute to fertility challenges, pelvic floor weakness or pelvic organ prolapse. These frequent lifestyle factors create a compounded impact on women’s ability to enjoy optimal health.

Our stressful, contemporary lifestyle can deform us into literally creatures of habit, and in return, inhibit our fundamental abilities to function and heal. We need to create and ensure opportunities for the pelvis to maintain its correct structure and function, such as moving more and sitting less.

One of the fundamental premises of biology is that structure determines function; the female pelvis is intended for both internal and external movement. Not only should the organs held within the pelvic cavity constantly expand, contract and glide, but the pelvic bones are meant to fully flex, extend and expand.

Movement, as much as vital minerals and vitamins, acts like a nutrient for our bodies. When the structure does not permit proper movement, the organs, glands, muscles, bones and lymphatic structure cannot properly function. This dysfunction can result in a lack of ovulation, painful menses, hormonal imbalances, blocked fallopian tubes, urine leaks, poor detoxification, constipation and many other symptoms and disorders.

Dr. Brit Reed is the owner and director of The (In) Fertility Center, 107 N. Main St., Ste. 5, in Mansfield. For more information, call 607-742-8707 or visit In-FertilityCenter.org.