Does exercise improve your chances of getting pregnant? Experts elucidate

Dr Shobha Gupta, medical director and fertility specialist, Mother’s Lap IVF Centre New Delhi and Vrindavan said exercise helps with:

*Maintaining a healthy weight: Being underweight or overweight can affect fertility. Regular physical activity can help you achieve and maintain a healthy weight, which is crucial for fertility.

*Balancing hormones: Exercise can help balance hormones in your body, including those related to fertility. Balanced hormones are essential for regular menstrual cycles and ovulation, which are key factors in getting pregnant.

*Reducing stress: Stress can interfere with fertility by disrupting hormonal balance. Exercise is a great way to reduce stress and promote relaxation. Activities like yoga and meditation, which combine physical movement with relaxation techniques, can be particularly helpful.

*Improving circulation: Exercise improves blood circulation, ensuring that reproductive organs receive an adequate supply of oxygen and nutrients. Good circulation is vital for the overall health of the reproductive organs.

*Enhancing reproductive health: Regular exercise can enhance the overall health of your reproductive system. It can improve the quality of eggs and sperm, making conception more likely.

How much exercise should one do? (Source: Getty Images/Thinkstock)

*Boosting confidence and body image: Feeling good about your body and overall health can boost your confidence and body image. This positive mindset can enhance your emotional well-being, which is essential for a healthy pregnancy.

What kind of exercise?

Sharda Agarwal, co-founder, Sepalika Fertility mentioned in a post on Instagram that moderate activity means an exercise that will:
*Raise your heart rate
*Make you breathe faster
*Make you sweat or feel warmer.

How much to do?

It’s important to strike a balance. “Excessive or extremely intense exercise can potentially disrupt menstrual cycles in some cases. The body may perceive intense exercise as a form of stress, leading to irregular periods or even amenorrhea (absence of menstruation), which can hinder fertility,” said Dr Thamke.

What to keep in mind?

Experts urge that it’s crucial to find a balanced exercise routine that suits your body and needs. “Consulting with a healthcare provider or a fertility specialist is recommended for personalised guidance. They can assess your specific circumstances, suggest appropriate exercise levels, and help you make lifestyle adjustments to enhance your fertility journey. Remember that factors affecting fertility can be complex, so exercise is just one piece of the puzzle, alongside other factors like diet, stress management, and individual health conditions,” said Dr Thamke.

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