Doctors used to advise women who were experiencing fertility problems to quit exercising. It was believed that overexerting might aid in conception. Doctors now know that exercise is an important part of fertility, especially for obese women.
Although every woman is unique, regular exercise can increase your chances of becoming pregnant.
Exercise for Fertility
While exercise has many health benefits, it can also help you manage your infertility.
Reduced stress: Stress can have a negative impact on your health and your ability to conceive. Although stress isn’t directly linked to infertility it can cause unhealthy eating habits, alcohol consumption, and smoking. Exercisers are more likely to be able to manage stress and experience less stress than those who don’t exercise. Learn more about stress relief exercises.
Weight loss: Obesity has been shown to be linked to infertility. Numerous studies have found that obese women are more likely than others to experience fertility problems. If they do become pregnant, they may also experience miscarriage or other complications. Along with a healthy diet, a regular cardio- and strength-training program are key components of any weight loss program.
Better sleep – Although infertility is not directly caused by sleep problems, obesity can be linked to poor sleep quality.
According to one study published in American Journal of Epidemiology, women who sleep less than five hours a night are more likely gain weight.
Even though exercise can help you sleep better, it is important to do your workouts in the morning. Research suggests that exercise in the morning can help you sleep better at night.
How much exercise is too much?
Some studies show that exercise can increase fertility. However, others have found that excessive vigorous exercise can cause fertility problems.
Here’s the problem: There aren’t any specific guidelines for women trying to conceive. We have general guidelines for exercise, guidelines for weight loss, and guidelines for pregnant women. What does this mean for you if you are trying to conceive?
If You Already Exercise
If you are experiencing fertility problems or exercise, it is important to consult your doctor.
If you’re trying to conceive, your fertility specialist can provide personalized advice on how to exercise. If you feel any warning signs or discomforts during an exercise program, consult your healthcare provider immediately.
You can look out for signs that could tell you if your actions are too excessive.
- Missed periods – Exercising too often can cause missed periods or irregular periods. You may have been irregular in your periods for a while. However, if your cycle is changing and you are exercising at high intensity, it may be a sign that you should talk to your doctor about cutting down on your exercise.
- Exercise for longer than seven hours per week – Studies have shown that fertility can be affected by working out more than seven times per week.
- Signs of excessive training – This can cause additional stress to the body. Even if your period is still valid, you should look out for signs of overtraining, such as fatigue, pain that doesn’t go away or inability to concentrate.
