Intense Exercise When Trying to Conceive: Fertility Specialist Says Why You Should Avoid, Lists 4 Tips

Should You Stop Intense Exercise When Trying to Conceive?

It's a known fact that exercise is a good addition to your daily routine. It helps you stay fit and healthy and has numerous benefits. Usually, doctors and fitness enthusiasts recommend moderate to intense exercise of 30 minutes daily for five days for optimum results. However, if you want to conceive, you might have to put a brake on your intense exercise plan.

As per Dr. Hima Deepthi V, regular exercise can immensely benefit women who suffer from obesity and conditions like PCOS. However, "high-intensity or excessive exercise can have the opposite impact," she says, adding, "studies show that excessive physical activity might disrupt menstruation and ovulation."

This happens due to a medical condition known as hypothalamic amenorrhea, "in which high activity and little body fat prevent the release of GnRH, leading to hormonal imbalances that affect fertility," Dr. Hima Deepthi V highlights.

GnRH or gonadotropin-releasing hormone is responsible for starting your menstrual cycle. When the hypothalamus restricts or stops its release, it can result in irregular or absent periods.

Don't Miss:Top 6 Foods To Avoid During Pregnancy For A Healthy Baby And Mom

In that light, amoderate level of physical activity is "ideal for reproductive health," Dr. Hima Deepthi V says. Along with that, "hormone management, maintaining a healthy weight, and lowering stress levels" are other key factors that promote conception, she points out.

As for men, their sperm motility, quality, and general reproductive health get "enhanced by moderate exercise. On the other hand, intense workouts like long-distance cycling or endurance training could negatively affect sperm production and testosterone levels. The extreme heat produced by activities like cycling or wearing tight clothing can potentially damage sperm," the doctor notes.

4 Tips To Better Your Ability to Conceive

"Moderation is key when trying to conceive. (As mentioned before), excessive physical activity can interfere with your ability to conceive by altering your reproductive hormones," says the doctor. She lists 4 tips to better your chances to get pregnant:

1) Pay Attention to Your Body

If you notice irregular periods or other changes in your body, you may need to reassess the intensity of your workouts.

2) Nutrition

A balanced diet is necessary to optimize fertility and support the energy demands of exercise.

3) Reduce Stress

Employ strategies like yoga or medication to manage stress levels, which have an impact on fertility.

4) Find The Right Balance

While regular moderate exercise is good for women, intense ones should not exceed five hours per week. They should rather focus on low-impact exercises like yoga, swimming, or walking that increase blood flow and reduce stress without putting an excessive amount of strain on the body. For men, strength training and moderate aerobic activity are good, but too much training is harmful.

"Strike the ideal balance and make sure that your exercise regimen complements your path to parenting. Speak with a fertility specialist to tailor your regimen," Dr. Hima Deepthi V wraps up.

Don't Miss:Becoming A Mother For The First Time? Here Are The Pregnancy Dos And Don’ts You Must Keep In Mind

If you liked this story, please share it. For more such articles, stay tuned to HerZindagi.