Does Playing Sports Improve Fertility?

Contrary to belief, being fit or looking good does not necessarily mean being healthy or more fertile. People who play sports and take care of their physical appearance also tend to take care of their health; due to this reason, it is often believed that athletes don’t face reproductive complications.

However, sport itself does not improve fertility and its intensive practice may even be counterproductive. Dr. Goral Gandhi, a renowned clinical embryologist in Mumbai clarify some ideas on this issue:

To begin with, the million-dollar question:

What are the fertility benefits of exercising?

Regular physical activity has positive effects at the cardiovascular, metabolic, endocrine and neurological levels:

• It promotes circulation

• Protects the heart

• Avoids cholesterol-related problems

• Increases physical endurance

• Strengthens bones and muscles

• Helps control body weight and blood sugar levels

Such a practice also reduces stress, improves sleep quality and mood. All this translates into enhanced physical fitness that promotes proper functioning of body and increases your personal well-being, which indirectly promotes reproductive activity. But that doesn't mean that one person who exercises regularly is necessarily much more fertile than another.

Dr. Goral Gandhi Mumbai says, the age and good health of the genital tract are the key to fertility.

Does excess weight have a negative effect on fertility?

Yes, obesity can lead to ovulation problems and irregularities in the menstrual cycle. It has also been shown to reduce response to infertility treatments and increase the risk of miscarriage.

This is why women who tend to gain weight, are advised to introduce lifestyle changes. In men, obesity is also a risk factor, not only to develop diabetes or high  blood pressure, but also constitutes a liability of erectile dysfunction, as it can cause alterations or an androgenic hormonal imbalance that can affect erection.

What is considered a good weight?

Weight varies depending on the constitution, size and physical activity of each person. To determine if your weight is adequate, calculate the body mass index (BMI) using the following formula: weight (kg)/size (m2).

A BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 is considered correct. Below 18.5, it is insufficient, and above 24.9, it is considered overweight.

Intensive exercise can delay the onset of menstruation or cause menstrual irregularities

Yes, that's right. Indeed, in situations where your body has to make an intensive effort, which requires a greater energy expenditure, there is a change in the hypothalamus (responsible for regulating the functioning of the ovaries) that inhibits the ovulation process, which results in amenorrhea (lack of menstruation).

This is why it is common for women who have been involved in rhythmic gymnastics since childhood, or other competitive sports activities requiring significant effort and intensive training, to take longer to reach puberty or have menstrual irregularities.

So, is it incompatible to participate in sports if you want to be a mother or if you are undergoing IVF treatment?

This is not incompatible, but you must know how to choose the type of physical activity, adjust the time and intensity, and accompany this activity with a balanced diet adapted to the needs of each person.

For those who are not sportsmen, Dr. Goral Gandhi strongly recommended to swim or perform aerobic activities such as walking or dancing and moderate gymnastics, both before starting assisted reproduction treatment or before becoming pregnant or during pregnancy.

However, Pilates and yoga are not advised immediately after embryo transfer because these activities can exert intra-abdominal pressure.

And what about men? Is it true that cycling or the marathon can affect the quality of sperm?

Yes, it does. Training and competition in high-demand sports produce free radicals that deteriorate seminal quality in the long run.

An isolated episode (such as a marathon) is not a problem, but if you are running a 42 km marathon or cycling, it is clear that you need training under supervision of experts. The wear and tear resulted during marathon should be compensated with good nutrition.

In conclusion,it is important to point out that, playing sport is always preferable, although it must be adapted to personal situation. So, if you're trying to get pregnant, don't think it's essential to go to the gym every day.

According to Dr. Goral Gandhi Mumbai, if you are healthy, dieting well and weighing well, just take 30 to 45 minutes to exercise four or five times a week.