Everyone is aware that doing a good workout strengthens both our physical and our mental, and also it is said to regulate our feelings. On the other hand, numerous people consider that IVF success depends largely on how technically the hospital is done. It is not true, though. If we had more exercise, we would also make the success rate of IVF higher.
Why does exercise help with pregnancy?
Physically couples who have decided to have a baby need regular exercise. It will not only make them physically stronger and keep their weight under control, but also help the activity of sperm and eggs to be more vibrant and healthy to raise the right base to have healthy and smart babies in the future.
Additionally, exercise strengthens the muscles of women, especially, the abdominal ones. Proper exercise of abdominal muscles lowers the possibility of fetal dystocia resulting from the relaxation of the abdominal wall; systemic muscle exercise makes it easier for natural birth, postpartum recovery, and losing weight.
Besides, a great number of almost-fathers and almost-mothers were before the baby arrival under so much pressure and their mood was more of the anxious type and even suffered from insomnia. Exercise can relieve fatigue and relax.
A research study published in ‘The Lancet-Psychiatry’ in August 2018, has clearly shown that mentally active people have less psychological stress and are less likely to be depressed in comparison to those who are not active.
So, the couples should not wait until the last moment but start a systematic and regular physical activity at least six months prior to conception, if they want to produce a healthy and intelligent offspring.
What exercises do women do to improve IVF success?
I. Walking: Women at any stage of pregnancy can do walking, the latter is the easiest and the most beneficial cardiovascular function exercise, it also stabilizes mood, increases appetite and sleep. Getting up in the morning and after dinner are the best times for walking. People should walk slowly when they are walking so that they are not physically overworked. Generally, the total time for walking every day is between 1-2 hours.
II. Jogging and fast walking: The right body weight will increase the chances of IVF success. If you want to get rid of extra weight, you cannot do without exercise. Jogging and fast walking are good to get rid of the extra fat. Doing this for a certain period you can effectively slim down.
III. Dancing: Dancing gives the body a good supply of blood, you may dance to the music you like in your home or you may attend a dance class.
IV. Swimming: For women who are planning to have a test-tube baby, swimming may be considered as an exercise that not only can strengthen the body and improve the quality of the egg, but also can increase the strength to support the weight, improve the endurance and flexibility as well as soothe the mood of the patient. At the same time, it will also facilitate the subsequent production.
V. Yoga: Yoga makes the female muscles tense and more pliant, and you can strengthen your heart by doing a few more walks or swims a week along with yoga.
During exercise, one has to ascertain that the intensity is suitable and not that one is so eager to lose weight that he engages in a vigorous workout which is not good for the body and for the following treatment.
What exercises do men do to improve IVF success?
Squat exercise: You can do squats without being limited by the location. It is very easy to do at your place. It can energize big muscles like quadriceps and gluteus maximus. What is of most importance is that it also supports the secretion of testosterone, and sperm quality is improved as a result.
Brisk walking: brisk walking is a very good aerobic exercise, it can also make the blood flow better in the testes and this will be good for the sperm quality which will increase.
Swimming: Swimming makes the body more immune to diseases and thus makes the blood and lymph circulation better in the prostate that is the local area for the blood flow, both of these factors are good for sperm quality.
What impact will excessive exercise have on the treatment of IVF?
- Excessive exercise will severely affect the reproductive system and alter the normal hormone pattern. When hormonal drugs are used to control ovulation, excessive exercise stops the body from absorbing it normally and lowers the drug’s effectiveness.
- Excessive exercise will shove against the ovaries leading to the danger of ovarian torsion. Once the ovaries are torsioned, they need to be corrected through surgery, which may injure the ovaries permanently or may even cause the loss of them.
Consequently, if the success of IVF is our first concern, we need to exercise more. For us, it is also great to exercise more now, and so, strengthening our body and improving our immunity through more exercising is very good.
Naresh Trehan is an Indian cardiovascular and cardiothoracic surgeon. After graduating from King George’s Medical University, Lucknow, India, he went on to practice at New York University Medical Center, Manhattan, USA from 1971 to 1988. He returned to India and started Escorts Heart Institute and Research Centre.
