How Vagus Nerve Stimulation Supports Fertility: My Honest Pulsetto Review

Rachael Robinson
Nov 14
5 min read

Why Stress Management Matters for Fertility
HRV and Fertility: Why It Matters
What Is Pulsetto and How It Works
My Experience Using Pulsetto
Free Ways to Support Your Nervous System
Who Might Benefit From Pulsetto During Fertility Treatment
Conclusion
What Next?

Key Takeaways

Stress management can support hormone balance, ovarian function and cycle health during fertility treatment.
Pulsetto may help shift the body from stress to restoration within minutes by supporting the vagus nerve.
HRV is a powerful marker of nervous system resilience and may improve with intentional regulation practices.

Rachael Robinson with a Pulsetto device.

Fertility treatment can place a heavy emotional and physical load on the body. Stress levels often rise quickly and many people struggle to settle their mind or support hormonal balance throughout the cycle. Over recent years I have explored many different ways to create a calmer internal environment for myself and for my clients. One of the tools that continues to generate questions is the Pulsetto. I am not affiliated with the company but I have been using the device consistently. I want to share my personal experience, the science behind vagus nerve support and how this may be relevant if you are trying to conceive or preparing for IVF.

Why Stress Management Matters for Fertility

Stress can influence many pathways that are essential for fertility. When the stress response becomes activated, blood flow is directed away from the reproductive system and towards survival functions. Cortisol levels rise and this can affect oestrogen production, progesterone balance and luteal phase health.

Good stress management helps improve ovarian function, supports healthy hormone production and reduces inflammation. It also helps stabilise the signals between the brain and the ovaries. When the body receives messages of safety, it can shift back into a more balanced state. This is why finding a calming practice that feels right for you is so important. Breath work suits some people and nature walks or puzzles support others. There is no single correct approach. What matters is what helps your system settle.

HRV and Fertility: Why It Matters

Heart rate variability is one of the most powerful indicators of nervous system health. HRV measures the tiny differences between each heartbeat. These small variations show how adaptable and resilient your nervous system is. A higher HRV generally suggests a more flexible system that can move out of stress more easily.

This directly links to fertility. When HRV is low, the body often remains in a heightened state. This can affect blood flow to the reproductive organs, increase inflammation and disrupt the hormonal pathways needed for ovulation and a strong luteal phase. Low HRV also tends to correlate with poor sleep and higher cortisol levels which can influence both oestrogen and progesterone.

Clients who track HRV often notice that when it rises they feel calmer and sleep more deeply. Their cycle also feels more stable. Supporting HRV is not just about stress reduction. It is about creating real safety in the body. Daily practices like good nutrition, consistent sleep, mindful breathing and time outdoors can all help raise HRV over time. Tools like Pulsetto may offer additional support, especially for people who struggle to settle without guidance.

For anyone navigating IVF or trying to conceive, nurturing HRV can create a foundation for steadier hormones, improved blood flow and a more balanced cycle.

What Is Pulsetto and How It Works

Pulsetto is a device that stimulates the vagus nerve. The vagus nerve is one of the main communication pathways between the brain and the body. It influences mood, digestion, heart rate, inflammation and the way your system responds to stress.

Gentle and controlled stimulation sends a message of safety through the whole body. Over time this may help the nervous system become more resilient. A more resilient system moves out of stress more quickly and settles into balance with greater ease. For people who find meditation difficult or who struggle with breath work, the Pulsetto can offer an accessible alternative.

My Experience Using Pulsetto

I first heard about Pulsetto from a friend and decided to try it after receiving many questions from clients. I am not connected to the company in any way. My reflections come purely from personal use.

I use the device after coming out of the sauna once I have had a shower. This is when my heart rate tends to be at its highest. I apply Pulsetto for six minutes. What continues to surprise me is how fast my system shifts from stress into restoration.

My Oura data shows a clear transition. In the first circle I am in a stressed state. Six minutes later I move into a restored one. This shift is also reflected in my HRV which rises quickly after each session. HRV is one of the most reliable markers of nervous system resilience. When HRV increases it shows that the body is moving into a calmer and more balanced state. For me this happens almost every time I use the device.

I feel my breathing soften and the tension drop out of my system. Instead of staying wired for hours, I feel grounded again within minutes. The speed and consistency of this change are what I find most helpful.

Free Ways to Support Your Nervous System

You do not need a device to regulate your system. Many free and simple practices can help you feel settled and safe. These include:

Deep breathing
Gentle humming
Time outdoors
Stretching
Warm baths
Mindful walking
Gratitude journaling
Calming music
Early bedtime

Consistency is key. When the nervous system receives regular signals of safety, sleep improves, hormones balance more easily and emotional resilience strengthens.

Who Might Benefit From Pulsetto During Fertility Treatment

Clients who may find a device like this supportive often include:

Individuals who experience high stress and struggle to unwind
People who find meditation challenging
Anyone who needs something quick between appointments or work days
Those who feel anxious during the two week wait
People who have a sensitive stress response
Anyone preparing for IVF who wants a structured nervous system plan

Supporting the vagus nerve can improve heart rate variability which is one of the best indicators of stress recovery and emotional resilience. Higher HRV is linked with steadier hormones and better cycle health.

Conclusion

Supporting your nervous system is one of the most powerful foundations for fertility and IVF preparation. When the body feels safe, hormones balance more easily, blood flow improves and inflammation reduces. Whether you choose simple everyday practices or explore a device like Pulsetto, you are giving your body the environment it needs to function well.

Pulsetto has been surprisingly effective for me. The rapid transition from stress to restoration has helped me settle after intense moments and recover more efficiently. It is not essential but it can be an incredibly helpful tool for people who need quick support.

What Next?

If you would like personalised guidance on how to regulate your nervous system during IVF, including HRV support, practical routines and strategies that fit your lifestyle, I would love to help. I have been through six cycles myself and can guide you with both clinical insight and lived experience. Reach out if you would like support.