Exercising keeps you fit and healthy. However, too much of it can also lead to harmful effects, especially for women. A female body can handle the limited load and excessive exercise can affect their reproductive health. According to a study, aerobics for more than seven hours a week can increase the risk of ovulation problems. However, moving within limits, i.e. spending more than an hour and less than five hours a week, can improve fertility.
Women who are obese and who have infertility problems because of their weight may benefit from exercising too much. However, for women whose Body Mass Index (BMI) is fine or just a point higher, strenuous exercise can lead to infertility. According to a study titled “Maternal Physical and Sedentary Activities on Reproductive Outcomes After IVF,” excessive exercise can decrease the success rate of in vitro fertilization (IVF).
Let’s look at some of the exercises that fall under the category of strenuous activities.
High Intensity Interval Training
HIIT exercises consist of numerous high-intensity exercises that can be performed for 30 to 60 seconds each. It includes pedals, sprints, squat jumps and so on.
Weightlifting
Powerlifting involves pulling hard weights to build strength. However, it is often said that women should not carry heavy weights as this puts a strain on their lower abdomen and causes internal injuries in the ovaries.
How Does Excessive Exercise Affect Fertility?
If a woman is of normal weight and exercises excessively or performs strenuous activities, it can cause the problem of decreased ovulation. It can cause the luteal phase defect. The luteal phase is called the time between ovulation and the menstrual cycle.
At this stage, the progesterone level is at its peak, allowing the ovulated egg to join the uterine wall, aiding fertilization. However, due to a luteal phase defect, the progesterone level can decrease and affect the egg to implant properly, causing infertility.
If you like sports, consult your gynecologist and take the right suggestions for the right amount of time to spend on physical activities. Also check out the exercises that are good for your reproductive health.
Read all the latest news, breaking news and live updates from the parliamentary elections here.
