You've worked so hard to get fit and healthy for IVF and now you are starting treatment. So, the key question is, can you work out when going through IVF?
Yes, it is generally safe and beneficial to continue exercising during IVF (in vitro fertilization) treatment. However, it's important to consult with your healthcare provider or fertility specialist for personalized advice based on your specific situation and any potential limitations or recommendations they may have.
Here are some general guidelines regarding exercise during IVF:
1. Consult your healthcare provider: Before starting or continuing any exercise routine, discuss it with your doctor. They can provide guidance based on your individual health, fertility concerns, and the specific stage of your IVF treatment.
2. Moderate-intensity exercise: Engage in moderate-intensity exercises that you enjoy and feel comfortable with. Examples include brisk walking, swimming, cycling, yoga, and low-impact aerobics. These activities help maintain cardiovascular fitness, manage stress, and promote overall well-being.
3. Avoid high-impact or strenuous activities: During IVF, it's generally recommended to avoid high-impact exercises, heavy weightlifting, or intense training that could potentially strain or impact the pelvic region.
4. Listen to your body: Pay attention to how your body feels during exercise. If you experience any discomfort, pain, or abnormal symptoms, stop the activity and consult your healthcare provider.
5. Modify exercises as needed: Depending on the stage of your IVF treatment, your doctor may advise modifications to your exercise routine. For instance, during the egg retrieval or embryo transfer process, you may be advised to avoid strenuous activities or exercises that could jostle or put pressure on the reproductive area.
6. Balance exercise and rest: While it's important to stay active, it's equally vital to prioritize rest and recovery. Adequate rest helps maintain hormonal balance and supports the body's overall readiness for IVF.
7. Manage stress: IVF can be emotionally and physically demanding, so incorporating stress-reduction techniques like meditation, deep breathing exercises, or gentle yoga can be helpful alongside regular exercise.
8. Ensure you are in tune with your body; one of the key concerns around working out through IVF is ovarian torsion. Whilst rare, strenuous, jumping and twisting exercise can make this more likely. Symptoms of ovarian torsion include sever pain in the pelvic region, nausea and vomiting.
Remember, every individual's situation is unique, and it's crucial to follow the guidance of your healthcare provider or fertility specialist. They can provide personalized recommendations based on your specific needs and medical history to ensure that exercise during IVF is safe and supportive for your fertility journey.
*always speak to your doctor; this post gives general information and is not tailored to any one individual.