When you’re trying to conceive, it can feel like nearly everything you do can have an impact on your chances of success. Whether it’s your diet, specific supplements, or special positions, it can seem like everyone has advice about what will help or hurt your chances. So what about exercise? Is regularly hitting the gym or heading to the yoga studio improving your chances of success? Or are they sabotaging all of your efforts? Here, the fertility experts at SIRM Dallas fertility center in Dallas, Texas tells you three things you need to know about the relationship between exercise and fertility.
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Exercise Can Help You Achieve a Healthy Weight
For many women who are struggling to conceive, the main obstacle is their weight. Women who are overweight have a higher likelihood of developing ovulatory issues, which can lead to infertility. Certain lifestyle changes, like regular exercise, can help women who are overweight achieve and maintain a healthy weight, which can resolve some of the issues that are preventing them from conceiving. However, being underweight can also cause lower levels of fertility, and excessive exercise can keep these women from achieving the healthy weight that would make it possible for them to conceive.
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You Can Have Too Much of a Good Thing
If you’re already at a healthy weight and enjoy regular exercise, there is definitely some good news. Several studies have shown that moderate exercise – around 150 minutes of it per week – can help improve ovarian function in women as well as testicular blood flow in men. Just make sure not to overdo it, as more than 3 hours of exercise per day has been shown to reduce fertility. Additionally, if you are in the midst of an IVF cycle, vigorous exercise that involves jumping and twisting should be avoided – this type of movement may increase your chances of ovarian torsion when undergoing ovarian stimulation.
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It Can Promote Overall Physical and Mental Health
Another benefit of moving more is that it promotes overall physical and mental health. Something as simple as walking more can improve cardiovascular health while helping manage conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes. Additionally, regular exercise can serve as an excellent stress reliever, helping those undergoing infertility treatment manage the associated stress and anxiety.
Whether you want to incorporate exercise into your lifestyle to lose weight, or if you just enjoy hitting the gym, exercise – when done right – can be a great way to improve your fertility. If you’re interested in learning more about exercising while trying to conceive, or would like to schedule a consultation with Dr. Walid Saleh of SIRM Dallas fertility center in Dallas, Texas, contact us at 972-566-6686 today.