Exercise and IVF - what can you do?

[Peachy1381]

Hey hivemind,

I'm currently on day 2 stims and I'm wondering about exercise. I'm a fairly keen runner, not busting out marathons each weekend or anything but run (jog really) about x3 a week, a bit less then 5k a time. I can probably hold a conversation while running, although I'd prefer not to!

I keep getting conflicting advice about exercise and IVF. Some say fine as long as its in moderation, others say just stick to swimming and yoga.

Does anyone have any experiences they could share?

I feel like having given up caffeine, alcohol and sugary treats exercise is my last release valve so sad to give it up unless I really need to.

I felt similar day 3 into stims like I could run but after a few more days you will start to feel a bit sore and your ovaries expand so I would say running is not advisable. Pilates (without too much abdominal torsion type exercise) and swimming is fine though. You just can’t swim after egg collection up until 2 weeks after transfer though. They also advise no running after transfer. I feel fine now after 2 days but I’m still not going to risk it xx

Hello
I’m yet to start injections but I asked my dr this last week and she said absolutely no high intensity exercise like HIIT or hefty cardio. She said walking and yoga should be ok and I would say swimming seems in line with those if that helps. I’ll be missing my HIIT!

No vigorous exercise. I used to run 5 times a day and do HIIT 3 times a day. As soon as I started stims I ran twice a week and did one HIIT (but avoided anything too strenuous).

As soon as I hit day 8 of stims I quit completely and just did one day of HIIT (again very toned down). Exercising became uncomfortable- you’ll know when to tone it down. My doctor actually said running was ok but as I was a slow responder (lots of follicles but not growing fast enough) she advised me to quit. X

Ha I meant HIIT 3 times a week! Haha

@ChicaXS I was gonna say 💪 🤣

This is all really useful. Thanks so much for sharing everyone! I'll just stick to swimming/walking and gentle yoga to be on the safe side. xx

Hi, I was talking to s friend who has bern through it (adviding ne on whst I need yo consider) and she said to avoid swimming because of the chemicals in the water...

I feel you in alcohol, caffeine and sugar!

Sorry for the mega typos. Tired typing. In summary. Avoid swimming because of chemicals in the water...

I continued to play tennis and had 2 x gastrocnemius injuries whilst oestrogen levels were really high. Having never been injury prone before, it seemed more than a coincidence and there is a known association between high oestrogen and muscular injuries.

If I was to stimulate again, I would probably refrain from anything more than gentle exercise - for both my muscles and also ovarian torsion risk (I was playing right up to egg collection, oblivious I actually had OHSS)

I spoke with my holistic consultant yesterday as well (having reflexology etc) She has helped a lot of people conceive - working closely with the IVF consultant. she advised me to stick to walking etc (I currently weight train 3 x a week and have done for years) I do not want to cut back on training but equally dont want to risk anything with my first upcoming IVF cycle.... best of luck deciding what feels right for you x