Exercise and Trying to Conceive: Too Much, Too Little, or Just Right?

Written By Lora Shahine, MD

Those undergoing IVF sometimes hear they shouldn’t exercise or they might put the process at risk. However, we know a sedentary lifestyle isn’t healthy for your fertility either.

For many, exercise doesn’t just keep their bodies healthy, it’s also critical to managing stress, aiding sleep, and managing mental health — which can also impact fertility.

So how much exercise is too much when trying to conceive and in early pregnancy? In this episode, Dr. Shahine helps us understand the facts and decide what is right for your personal situation.

In this episode you’ll hear:

[00:00] Intro

[01:36] The controversy around exercise and fertility 

[02:38] Reviewing the research 

[04:01] Exercise during IVF – what’s the worry?

[07:50] Fertility Story: Exercise extremes, the stress of cutting back for many patients, and the Female Athlete Triad 

[12:09] Outro

Resources mentioned: 

Studies mentioned referenced in these blog posts by Dr. Shahine

My Recommendations on Exercise and Fertility

IVF and Fitness: What You Need to Know

Stay Up to Date in Fertility News and Events:  Weekly Newsletter

Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books  

Lora Shahine, MD

Dr. Lora Shahine, reproductive endocrinologist at Pacific NW Fertility and Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Washington in Seattle, completed her residency in OBGYN at the University of California in San Francisco and fellowship in reproductive endocrinology at Stanford University. She is dedicated to educating and advocating for increased awareness of infertility, miscarriage, and the impact on environmental toxins on health through an active social media presence, teaching, clinical research, and authoring multiple blogs and books including best selling, ‘Not Broken: An Approachable Guide to Miscarriage and Recurrent Pregnancy Loss.’

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