Can You Work Out While Going Through IVF? 2 Fertility Docs Explain

If you're struggling to get pregnant, you're not alone; infertility, which is defined as not being able to get pregnant after a year of trying, affects 12 to 15 percent of couples. And though the condition is relatively common, it doesn't invalidate the cascade of emotions and questions that come with it. For fitness enthusiasts in particular, one major question remains: Can you work out while undergoing fertility treatment?

There isn't a one-size-fits-all approach, but if you already have an established workout routine prior to beginning fertility treatment, the answer is generally yes, says Rhiana Saunders, MD. However, that doesn't mean you can go hard on daily workout classes before and after a procedure. "The time frame for physical limitations should be individualized, because recommendations on what someone should or shouldn't do regarding exercise can evolve throughout the course of fertility treatment, based on how they respond to medications," she explains. A lot also comes down to the type of fertility treatment, as well as the duration, frequency, and kind of exercise you're hoping to do.

You should always clear any questions or concerns with your doctor, but for general guidance, PS talked with reproductive specialists for everything you need to know about exercise and fertility treatments, including the benefits and potential risks.

Experts Featured in This Article:

Anate Brauer, MD, is a board-certified reproductive endocrinologist at RMA of New York.

Rhiana Saunders, MD, is a board-certified reproductive endocrinologist and infertility specialist at Aspire Houston Fertility Institute.

What to Know About Exercise and Fertility Treatments

Fertility is highly individualized, so there's no such thing as blanket advice. But when it comes to fertility treatments, like IVF, there is some general advice. IVF, which stands for "in vitro fertilization," is done in cycles, per the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, that can include egg retrieval, fertilization of eggs, and embryo transfer.

In general, you should not vigorously work out the week leading up to and after an egg retrieval, Dr. Saunders says. It's also best to cut back on intense exercise and any twisting movements that strain the abdominal muscles the week following an embryo transfer, she adds. "During this time, the ovaries are often very stimulated and enlarged, which can place someone at risk for ovarian torsion (an uncommon but serious condition that causes the ovary and sometimes fallopian tube to twist on the tissues that support them)."

So instead of attempting intense exercise like running, jumping, HIIT workouts, and heavy weightlifting, Dr. Saunders suggests low-impact options like yoga (but no inversions), tai chi, stretching, and walking a few times a week. Just note that everyone is different, so some people may require a complete halt in physical activity during treatment depending on how they're physically affected, she explains. This is especially true since bloating, fatigue, and discomfort are common post-procedure, says Anate Brauer, MD. "Listen to your body and don't overdo it."

Risks of Working Out While Undergoing Fertility Treatment

The main concern around working out while undergoing fertility treatment is ovarian torsion, Dr. Brauer says. Ovarian torsion is when the ovary or fallopian tubes twist on their supportive tissues, per Yale Medicine. Here's why this might happen: "The first step to both IVF and egg freezing is ovarian stimulation, resulting in the growth of multiple follicles which house eggs, and as the ovaries get bigger, they also get heavier, which increases the risk of an ovary twisting and cutting off its own blood supply," Dr. Brauer says. As a result, it's best to scale back high-impact exercise and any movement that requires twisting about a week into stimulation (or whenever your doctor deems appropriate).

Additionally, if you weren't regularly working out before fertility treatment, Dr. Saunders recommends that you don't start now. "When you start a workout regimen, there's a period when your muscles are sore, and this causes a buildup of lactic acid, which can promote an inflammatory environment." This then puts additional stress on the body, while also potentially disrupting hormonal balance and ovulation.

Ultimately, the best way to avoid risk is to follow your doctor's guidance, Dr. Saunders says. "A patient's response to stimulation medications is heavily monitored throughout treatment, so if someone is found to have an ovarian cyst or hyperstimulation (an exaggerated response to excess hormones that can cause the ovaries to swell), the physician may recommend very low-impact exercise, like walking, or potentially no exercising at all."

Benefits of Working Out While Undergoing Fertility Treatment

There are some perks when it comes to working out during your fertility treatment. "Exercise is known to reduce stress levels, and for those undergoing fertility care, managing stress is a very important part of the process," Dr. Saunders says. "Focusing on your physical and mental health can recenter you and relieve some of the stress that is unfortunately a part of fertility care."

Dr. Brauer seconds this sentiment, noting that exercise is a great stress reliever since it lowers cortisol levels and increases the production of endorphins, ultimately improving mood and promoting relaxation. Gentle exercise like walking, biking, and swimming are also a great way to boost blood circulation and regulate hormone levels, since both are heavily impacted during treatment, she says.

The Bottom Line

Though moderate exercise can certainly have its perks, you should always clear it with your fertility specialist. "As much as you may be eager to resume normalcy, now is not the time to set new fitness goals," Dr. Brauer says. "Be mindful and give yourself grace during this time."

Andi Breitowich is a Chicago-based freelance writer and graduate from Emory University and Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism. Her work has appeared in PS, Women's Health, Cosmopolitan, and elsewhere.