Stimulation period and exercise

[Amarillo-]

Hello everyone,I am doing IVF through the NHS and I am now waiting for the next stage which is ovarian stimulation. The doctor told me in the first appointment that during stimulation I won't be able to do any exercise because of the ovarian torsion. I understood this was for two weeks but I have been reading other people's posts saying that you mustn't do any exercise for a whole month after the stimulation process too?

Running is a huge part of my life as and I am finding quite difficult all this uncertainty. Can anyone tell me more or less what are the actual dates and how long will I be without doing anything so I can more or less prepare for it mentally?

I know this sounds silly...

[MammaMia86]

Hello,

I guess it depends on your case, because if after stimulation you have a fresh embryo transfer it is not recommended to exercise during the 2ww.

It is recommended to walk, stroll and in this way get the blood flowing....

In my experience when a BFN comes out if you do things that they recommend not to do, you will be thinking that it is because of something you did and the feeling of guilt is sometimes terrible.

Best of luck❤️

[Keggles36]

Hiya I was able to continue running at the start of stims, but in all honesty it was too uncomfortable to for the latter bit. I think it's because your ovaries get big, and obviously there is the chance of torsion. I also had to stop climbing (for obvious where the harness sits reasons) but I carried on swimming throughout the whole thing except a couple of weeks after retrieval due to infection risk. I don't know if you swim, but i find it really soothing and especially now you can go outside 😊

[VeeVee_bb]

Hey if you are already naturally active, it’s fine to continue. I went to the gym daily during stims (I use the step machine at quite a quick pace). I was only told to not stretch too much, or at all, legs wise as your ovaries are working hard.

I find exercise helpful, especially with me feeling bloated and fat from the hormones!

Definitely take it easy during 2WW though.

[CyclingAddict]

I feel your pain as I'm a runner too! I ran for the first couple of days after starting stimulation but, honestly, it became too uncomfortable to continue running. If you're anything like me (quite lean) you may find that, as your ovaries become enlarged, it becomes too uncomfortable to run anyway. I stuck to brisk walking in the week leading up to transfer. I would say see how your body reacts to the meds but definitely take it easy in the days leading up to egg collection and transfer - the process really is very demanding on your body and you'll want as much energy as possible to recover. Also, definitely avoid any twisting motions after you've started stims as this can cause torsions.

I do really feel for you as I was running marathons before I started IVF. I'm now 20 weeks pregnant and am restricted to walking due to ongoing pregnancy nausea (baby is totally worth it though). It's been an adjustment, but I suppose I can always get back into running and it gives me something to look forward to once the baby is here! Best of luck X

[Amarillo- in reply to CyclingAddict]

Thank you very much, this really helps 🤗

[Mmjj56]

I definitely understand and struggled with the same question!!! I continued cycling, swimming and weightlifting for the first week and then stopped for the second week and two weeks post-retrieval (so 3 weeks total). I didn’t do any running because it was too uncomfortable. The doctor scolded me and said I should stop all activities besides walking as soon as I started stims because the risk of torsion is too high. They have to generally advise that to everyone I imagine, in order to be on the safe side because there is always a risk. But you probably know your body and if you start to feel your ovaries then just stop!

Mentally, I thought of it as if I had an injury - your body is working a different exercise right now and best to let it focus on the priorities - it’s just temporary!! But so hard- I know !! You aren’t alone!!

-Emma

[Amarillo- in reply to Mmjj56]

Thank you so much, it really helps reading that I am not the only one struggling with these thoughts. I am still waiting for the work up to be done as we are doing genetic testing, looking forward to starting this thing though