Learn more about the connection between exercise and fertility
The specialists at our Tennessee fertility clinic help patients understand the connection between exercise and fertility. Understanding this connection and, if needed, taking steps to alter an exercise program could potentially increase a person’s chance of developing a healthy pregnancy.
Discover the link between too much exercise and fertility health
While exercise typically improves a person’s health, too much of it can actually have a negative influence on a person’s fertility. It’s typically best to avoid more than an hour of high intensity exercise each day when trying to conceive. This frequent, high-intensity exercise could potentially disrupt ovulation in women.
Regarding men, researchers have found that men who bike more than five hours each week could have lower sperm concentration and total motile sperm. This could be due to the increase in scrotal temperature and prolonged compression of the testes when cycling.
What many fertility specialists recommend is that people trying to build a family get around 30 to 60 minutes of moderate exercise each day. However, the definition of “moderate exercise” varies from person to person depending on their typical activity level. Because of this, it’s best to consult with a fertility specialist at our Tennessee fertility clinic to determine the exercise practices that would be ideal for your fertility needs.
Other healthy lifestyle practices to adopt
In addition to considering exercise and fertility, there are many things a person can do to improve their chances of conceiving. For women, these practices could increase their body’s response to fertility medications and boost their chance of developing a healthy pregnancy. In men, healthy lifestyle choices could improve sperm quality.
Prenatal vitamins. Women can support their fertility by taking a prenatal vitamin that contains at least 400 micrograms of folic acid.
Abstaining from certain substances. Men and women can improve their fertility by discontinuing the consumption of alcohol, cigarettes, drugs and excessive caffeine.
Eating a nutrient-rich diet. A diet rich in protein, healthy fats, fruits, vegetables and grains, and low in sugar and fried foods, can be important for fertility.
Reducing stress. Engaging in practices like meditation, journaling and spending time with loved ones can make the journey to developing a healthy pregnancy less stressful.
Women and men struggling to build a family can receive support at our Tennessee fertility clinic. We use effective fertility tests and treatments to help patients take the next step towards parenthood. Contact us for more about exercise and fertility and developing a healthy pregnancy.
