File this to commonly asked questions. This one comes up all the time simply because there is so much conflicting information available.

Where are you in your IVF cycle?

If in doubt, discuss your case with your own IVF doctor. However, for most women it depends where in the cycle you are.

Can I exercise before or between IVF/ICSI cycles?

Absolutely. A 2018 meta-analysis found that physical activity before an IVF/ICSI cycle is associated with increased rates of pregnancy and births. The study found no difference in miscarriage rates between the two groups.

Exercise is good, so the more the better?

The research here is clear - moderate physical activity benefits female fertility whereas high intensity and exercising with high frequency has a negative impact on fertility. Exercise becomes a stressor - you can read more about stress, what constitues stress and the impact on fertility here.

What about DURING the IVF cycle?

You do not need bed rest. There are absolutely benefits to exercise during an IVF round.

Stress management
Blood flow and oxygen delivery to the entire body
Pain management
Encourage bowel movements

Exercise during the IVF stimulation phase

Your choice of movement matters. Here’s why:

Ovarian Torsion. Don’t get your ovaries in a twist.

Local impacts: Those stimulating drugs literally increase the size of your ovaries. High intensity exercise can cause the swollen ovaries to twist of flip – a medical emergency called ovarian torsion. Don’t panic, it’s fairly uncommon, but definitely one to avoid.

Looking after your body: IVF stimulation is physically demanding. You’re growing a whole bunch of follicles and metabolising a bunch of synthetic hormones. Allowing your body rest to do this should be prioritised. Self care.

Keep it gentle.

Rule of thumb: If you can’t hold a conversation while working out, you’re going too hard.

Choose:

Walking
Yoga – opt for a yin yoga, or if it’s not too triggering a prental yoga class. Plenty online if you’re up for it, but don’t want to get to a studio.
Stretching
Slow steady stationary machines

Equally as important - exercise to avoid during stimulation phase of IVF

Avoid anything overly strenuous and absolutely no:

Hot yoga
Running
High intensity interval training (that’s your HIIT class)
Exercising in the heat
Anything with a high risk of crashes, bumps or falls

Exercise after egg retrieval

More of the same. No need to totally wrap yourself in cotton wool because the same benefits apply at this point in your IVF cycle, but taking it easy is important.

An egg retrieval is an invasive procedure so rest and healing is the priority. Choosing gentle exercise is fine in the few days after but to reduce risk of infection, not swimming in the week after your retrieval is generally a good move.

Exercise and the TWW during IVF

Slightly trickier - after all women who conceive naturally often continue their exercise regime at this point. I still suggest a lighter approach to exercise. The TWW is often on the back of an emotional and physical roller coaster. This time is about sending messages to your body that it is safe. Keeping exercise low key encourages physical recovery and allows stress hormones to drop.

Getting your exercise mat out counts right?

In saying that, research suggests movement during this phase doesn’t have a negative impact on IVF outcomes. ln my clinical experience, women using synthetic progesterone pessaries or injections after a transfer don’t feel particularly driven to exercise anyway, so if you can drag your butt around the block a few times during the week, well done you. Your body needs rest and you can honour this need.

If you are starting to crave some movement, slightly increasing intensity at this stage is generally fine provided you had a regular exercise routine prior to your IVF cycle, and you keep activity continuous , low-mid intensity and continue to avoid exercising in the heat, and anything that puts you at risk of bumps.

Still not sure if you should work out during your IVF cycle?

If you’re still not sure, seek professional advice from an exercise specialist qualified in prenatal care and experienced in IVF support. Every body is different and you can’t go past an personalised approach .

Going through IVF? 5 signs your IVF specialist isn’t right for you here

Can I exercise while going through IVF?