We often hear exercise is good for boosting fertility — but the real connection is more complicated.
You’ve probably heard that exercise is a good way to improve your chances of conceiving. While that is a commonly held belief, the truth is a bit more complicated. The relationship between exercise and fertility is inconclusive, and sadly, exercise is not a cure-all for your fertility problems. However, exercise can be an important part of a fertility-promoting regime.
Knowing how much exercise is right for you will depend on your body, and it’s important that you consult your fertility specialists. But there are some general tips for designing an exercise regime that’s right for you.
How Does Exercise Influence Fertility?
A woman’s fertility depends on a variety of hormones in the body. Unfortunately, vigorous exercise can have a negative impact on your hormone production, and the balance of hormones in your system.
Excessive exercise can lower your progesterone and estradiol levels and while stimulating the production of endorphins, which suppress your follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). These changes to your hormone levels can make it more difficult for you to get pregnant. They can increase the likelihood of a miscarriage.
But exercise, in moderation, can have a positive impact. Studies have shown that regular, moderately intense workouts can actually improve fertility, especially for women who lead more sedentary lifestyles. Fertility improves with the general health benefits that accompany regular, moderate exercise. Improvements to circulation and metabolism also contribute to better egg production. Additionally, regular exercise stimulates the endocrine glands that secrete the hormones that help your eggs grow.
Finding an Exercise Regimen That’s Right for You
The recommended amount and type of exercise varies depending on your health, and you might be wondering how you determine what is right for you.
While there is no universal rule for how much exercise is the right amount, there are some general guidelines that you can follow. Your weight and body mass index (BMI) are both good indicators.
If you are at a normal weight and BMI, it is good to stay away from daily, high-intensity workouts. Instead, try switching to more moderate activities like walking, cycling, swimming, dancing, or pilates. If you are underweight, your doctor may recommend increasing your calorie intake and reducing your exercise in order to achieve a more optimal weight for fertility. If you are overweight, your doctor may recommend cardio workouts several times a week to lower your BMI.
The key thing to remember is that these are just general guidelines. The most important thing you can do is listen to your body and your doctor to determine the best approach for you.
Key Takeaways
When it comes to exercise, ensure that you are focused on improving your health, and not attempting to achieve a specific weight, shape, or size. Always check that you are listening to your body. Consultations with fertility specialists are essential, especially if you are considering fertility treatment as the recommendations for exercise may differ.
If you have any concerns about how your fitness regime might be affecting your fertility, or if you simply want to learn more about how exercise and fertility are connected, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at the AFCT. Our fertility specialists will help you make the lifestyle adjustments you need to improve your chances of a successful pregnancy.
