IVF cycle and exercise | in.form physio

Your IFV cycle
and exercise

During some fertility treatments, you'll need to change your movement practice to be more gentle to your body it is helpful to have a full understanding of the process so you can understand what's happening in your body.

*This information is based on a very standard treatment, your treatments will differ based on your medical information.

EGG RETRIEVAL CYCLE

EMBRYO TRANSFER CYCLE

EGG RETRIEVAL CYCLE

Priming

Usually started before the beginning of your egg retrieval cycle, often an Estrogen based hormone and its role is to 'take control' of the ovaries, stopping any follicles from getting a head start in the growth phase. During this time you shouldn't have too many side effects, perhaps some apprehension about the upcoming treatment. Movement practices could remain unchanged, focusing on controlled movements. Get in any vigorous cardio and HIIT classes you may crave before you start the stimulation injections.

Stimulation

The main medications in this phase are a form of Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) to help the ovaries to produce and grow multiple eggs at the same time. An additional medication usually Menopur is an FSH-LH medication which helps with the stimulation and maturation of multiple follicles.

After several days, you will take one more medication to stop your body ovulating any of the eggs which are now growing rapidly.

Side effects of these medications may include:

Local bruising to the injection sites

Bloating - particularly the further you are in your stimulation phase

Abdominal pain

Nausea

Headaches

Fatigue

Exercises during this phase should taper down quickly and consist of gentle supported movements with no twisting or jumping. The ovaries have expanded far beyond their regular size, this is a time to slow it down

and be gentle with your body.

egg retrieval cycle

transfer cycle

FROZEN TRANSFER CYCLE

Lining prep

Starting Day 1, you'll take an estrogen medication to help build your lining as well as suppress any follicles growing this month. After 12-14 days, you'll get the lining checked to see if it's at the optimal thickness (approx >7.5mm) and be told when to start the progesterone to help plump the lining and prepare for transfer. Progesterone could be administered vaginally and/or injected intramuscularly into the outer glute.

Transfer - post transfer

Once the lining is ready, your long awaited transfer will happen. And then you wait. Taking the progesterone support daily as it's not naturally made this month due to the lack of ovulation.

Your body is able to complete all physical activities at this point. Though, it is suggested to not try any new movement practices during these two weeks, to avoid hot tubs and saunas. Find yourself the perfect mix of relaxing and keeping busy. You will also probably be feeling quite anxious, find time for meditation, breathing walking in nature, these things will help prepare your mind for the results, which at this point are out for your control.