Exercise & Fertility Advice

Maintaining physical activity is an important part of a healthy lifestyle, but if you're undergoing fertility treatments, you might wonder what exercises are safe and how they can affect your chances of conceiving. Read on for key advice regarding staying active during IVF and other fertility treatments.

1. Start with Your Baseline Fitness Level
Your existing level of fitness is the first thing to consider when determining how much exercise you should engage in during fertility treatments. Are you a professional athlete, a regular gym-goer, or someone who has been relatively inactive? Your fitness routine should be tailored to your baseline. The activities and intensity recommended for someone who works out daily will differ from those of a more sedentary person.

2. Modify Activity Based on Treatment Type
Different fertility treatments can impact your body in various ways, so exercise modifications are often necessary, especially if you're taking injectable hormones as part of an IUI or IVF cycle.

Injectable hormones (gonadotropins) can cause your ovaries to enlarge, increasing the risk of ovarian torsion, a condition where the ovary twists on itself, potentially cutting off its blood supply. To avoid this, it's important to reduce high-impact activities like jumping, running, or movements involving intense bouncing or twisting, such as horseback riding or certain yoga poses.

For less stimulating cycles like those including Clomid or Letrozole, the ovaries are not as enlarged, so the risk of torsion is lower, but it’s still a good idea to listen to your body and avoid any activity that feels uncomfortable or strenuous.

3. Heart Rate Considerations: Debunking the Myth
A common concern is whether or not it's safe to raise your heart rate during fertility treatments. The good news is that heart rate limitations during conception attempts or pregnancy have been debunked. Research, including guidelines from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), shows that increasing your heart rate during exercise is generally safe. However, it's crucial to listen to your body—if you feel lightheaded or fatigued, it's okay to slow down or take a break.

4. Embrace the Outdoors and Low-Impact Activities
Engaging in low-impact exercises like walking, swimming, or cycling can be a safe and effective way to stay active during your fertility journey. Walking outdoors can provide not only physical benefits but also emotional well-being. Studies show that spending time in nature reduces stress and enhances the mind-body connection, which is particularly helpful during the often stressful IVF process.

For individuals who typically engage in more intense workouts, consider modifying your routine. For instance, if you're a runner, try using a spin bike to maintain your fitness without the impact of running.

5. Listen to Your Body
Your body will experience highs and lows throughout the IVF cycle, so it’s essential to stay attuned to how you're feeling. Some days, you may have the energy for more vigorous exercise, while other days, a short walk or light stretching may be all you need. Give yourself grace during this time and avoid pushing yourself too hard. Remember that even meditation and yoga can offer benefits for both physical health and emotional balance.

Conclusion
Staying active during fertility treatments can promote physical and mental well-being, but it's essential to approach exercise with care and mindfulness. Whether you're undergoing a medicated IUI or an IVF cycle, working with your doctor to find the right balance of fitness activities will help ensure that you're doing what’s best for your body while giving yourself the best chance of success.

Remember: Always consult with your fertility specialist if you're unsure about your exercise routine, and make modifications as needed to protect your health and fertility. At Boston IVF, we’re here to support you every step of the way.