Continued physical activity during ovarian stimulation was associated with lower stress levels for women undergoing IVF treatment. However, exercise during stimulation was not associated with IVF outcomes or ovarian torsion rates, according to Healio.
Speaking at the American Society for Reproductive Medicine Scientific Congress and Expo, Dr Maren Shapiro, reproductive endocrinologist and infertility specialist at the University of California San Francisco said: 'Many people use physical activity and exercise for stress relief, but the standard of care in fertility treatment is to recommend reduced or no exercise during ovarian stimulation due to the theoretical concern that exercise might increase rates of ovarian torsion and uncertain outcomes on IVF outcomes.'
She added that the results 'suggest that current exercise restrictions may be causing harm without holding clear and measurable benefit, and I would argue that an activity restriction during ovarian stimulation should be reconsidered.'