Exercise Restrictions?

takethelongway · December 2015

I am awaiting a January FET (we have nine frozen embabies!) and have been told that I cannot return to my normal exercise routine. Before I began infertility treatments I was an avid runner (I was training for my 10th half marathon) and had begun weight lifting. When I was on my letrozole cycle, after much begging and pleading, I was told I could run two days a week, but no longer than 45 minutes (that 10th half marathon did not happen) and lift no more than 25lbs. As soon as I began the injectable IUI cycle I was told this had to stop. Which, I understood because of ovarian torsion. Now, after my IVF cycle and egg retrieval and arrival of AF, I am still being told I still cannot run or lift more than 25lbs. We are planning a late January FET and I was hoping to use this time to get back into running and lifting and then cut back during the 2WW. I was told I can cycle, use the elliptical, and swim, but no running. Has anyone else had this happen to them? It is so difficult to not run because I literally took up running to get into shape to get pregnant and I want to have a healthy, fit pregnancy when I get to that point. I know I can do other things, but running has been my life for so long. What did your RE say about running and lifting? Especially while awaiting an FET.

KLake42 · December 2015

Your ovaries are likely still a bit swollen, and your RE doesn't know how much. I expect the restrictions are due to the risk that's there until they shrink back up.

I wish I could tell you that this was an unreasonable restriction. I used to run, but had to stop due to a knee injury. But it was the most effective anti-depressant! I miss that stress relief, and I could sure use it now.

roxgibbons · December 2015

I've wondered about this as well and am curious what other REs suggest. I've noticed on the boards people doing IVF are restricted on exercise and I'm not sure if it's because of the different procedures, but it seems to be a mixed bag of advise for IUIs. I exercise regularly and do a mix of weight training, and running. I haven't done IVF but have done two medicated cycles for IUI, and for both I've continued my exercise routine the next day after IUI or a couple days after and my RE has been fine with this. I agree exercise is such a great stress relief especially going through the stress of infertility.

oxinfree · December 2015

@takethelongway - I'm super active too and was just told by my accupuncturist to dial it back. Ultimately, there's two sides to the coin. Individuals who need to increase their activity, lose weight etc, and others (us maybe) who are already very active, who's bodies may need a bit of RnR. I'd trust in what they're telling you. Once you get that positive, and are feeling well enough, I'm sure you can start re-introducing your running routine. A small break shouldn't completely derail the progress you've made. Whatever you decide, trust what you feel is right for you.

takethelongway · December 2015

@KLake42 Yeah, I know the ovaries are still swollen. I can feel them! I did a spin class yesterday and I could definitely feel them

@roxgibbons I think IUI cycles are a bit different depending on medications used. You're only trying to grow a few good follicles. I was able to run with my first TI cycle.

@oxinfree I was super active before all of this, but definitely can stand to lose weight (PCOS sucks!). I think that's why it's so difficult. I see the benefit of taking it easy, but I also fear gaining weight and having an even higher risk pregnancy. But, I can do stuff so I just need to embrace that I guess

ecb3588 · December 2015

I did IVF late October/early November and was on restrictions then, through the 2ww. The fresh transfer ultimately ended with a BFN so when I stopped all meds, I resumed my activity while awaiting my January FET. I went back to running and lifting. They didn't tell me one way or another, so I just went with it. I'm with you, running helps my sanity!

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