Exercise Limitations and In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Treatment
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a strong option for couples that have difficulty conceiving on their own for a number of reasons. As you would take precautions when trying to conceive naturally, there are a number of things you should keep in mind while preparing for IVF. The team at the Houston Fertility Center is more than happy to answer any questions that patients may have when it comes to improving the success of their IVF treatment.
Many patients wonder what exercise limitations may be associated with IVF treatments they are taking. While exercise is generally safe during your IVF treatment, here are a few things to keep in mind while you are undergoing your IVF treatment. Let's consider these matters right now.
Is exercise really safe during IVF treatment?
Most doctors will suggest that, because of the benefits of an exercise routine, it would be best to maintain your normal exercise regimen during your IVF treatment. However, doctors will also consult you on how to proceed during your IVF treatment. Strenuous physical activity may be ill-advised for certain phases of treatment as they may affect the overall results of the process.
Discussing Your Exercise Routine with Your Fertility Specialist
Patient should inform their doctors of any new exercise regimen they are considering while undergoing IVF treatment. Typically, it is best not to start and new, vigorous exercise regimens while on IVF treatment, so disclose anything you are either considering or have even begun before additional conditions may arise.
Even with your existing regimen, you may want to limit the number of high-impact activities you are doing on a regular basis, as this may affect the overall effectiveness of your IVF treatment. While weight training is still safe to some degree, you should consider lowering the capacity of weights used. Excessive weight training may also put you at risk for an unsuccessful IVF treatment schedule.
High-Impact Workouts Should Be Avoided
Limiting your high-impact workouts is particularly important. Although light to moderate exercise is recommended, high-impact workouts put patients at particularly higher risk for a condition known as ovarian torsion. When this condition occurs, the ovaries become twisted and can impair overall function.
If the ovaries are twisted in this manner, IVF treatment may become impaired as well. While this is a rare condition, it is still important to refrain from especially high-impact workouts while you are receiving your IVF treatment.
In the event you experience any pain in your ovaries, notify your doctor immediately and stop any exercise regimen you may be on completely.
Feel Free to Ask Questions as They Arise
If you have any additional concerns, please seek the counsel of your doctor. If any potential complications may arise while you undergo IVF or as you exercise, notify your doctor as he or she will be able to take corrective measures, which will ultimately be more successful the earlier any signs of complications are detected.
Learn More About Fertility Treatment Options
To learn more about in vitro fertilization (IVF) and your many other options for effective remedies for infertility, we encourage you to contact our reproductive medicine and fertility specialists today. The entire team at the Houston Fertility Center looks forward to your visit.
