Being either overweight or underweight can both affect fertility negatively and it is therefore important to consider exercise and IVF together
. If you are underweight or have low body fat due to over-exercising, it could be that your estrogen levels are too low to enable conception to occur. Being overweight can also disrupt normal hormonal levels.
Although it is usually recommended that your bodyweight falls within the healthy range for your height, there is evidence to suggest that providing you are not grossly overweight, losing even between 5-10% of your bodyweight can be very beneficial and restore fertility back within a healthy range.
With regard to exercise and IVF, it is generally thought that around 30 minutes of moderate exercise each day can help improve a woman's chances of overcoming fertility problems and becoming pregnant. Such exercise could take the form of walking or gentle swimming. You could also try gentle dance and movement classes. Even men need to be mindful of the link between exercise and IVF success. A man who is overweight can have lowered levels of testosterone and therefore reduced sperm quantities and regular gentle exercise, coupled with a healthy diet can be something which both partners can tackle together.
When undergoing IVF, reducing levels of stress is seen as vitally important and this is where exercise can have a double bonus! Not only will it get you fit and increase your chances of success in tangible terms, but exercise is a great de-stresser and you can use the time spent exercising to relax and let go of negative thoughts and try to forget your stresses and strains. This is especially easy if you are exercising outdoors.