Can I Exercise During My Egg Freezing Treatment?

For those of us who love a good sweat session, hitting pause on workouts isn’t always easy—especially since exercise does so much for both physical and mental health. Not only does it boost mood, but regular activity also has benefits for fertility. In fact, studies show that physical activity can improve fertility outcomes, especially in individuals with PCOS or those with higher body weights. But when it comes to egg freezing, things get a little more complex. Here’s what you need to know to keep moving safely.

Why Exercise During Egg Freezing Needs Extra Care

During an egg freezing cycle, hormone medications stimulate your ovaries to produce multiple mature eggs in one go, rather than the single egg typically ovulated each cycle. This extra stimulation causes the ovaries to grow from about ¾ inch in diameter to as much as 2–3 inches—making them temporarily more sensitive and increasing the risk of a rare but serious complication known as ovarian torsion.

What’s ovarian torsion? It’s when an ovary twists on its ligaments, which can potentially cut off blood flow. While torsion occurs in less than 0.5% of egg freezing cycles, it’s essential to avoid activities that may increase that risk, like intense physical movements or high-impact exercise.

Safe Exercise Choices During Egg Freezing

Keeping active is great, but with larger, more delicate ovaries, the key is to modify your exercise routine. Here’s what’s generally safe—and what to skip:

• Low-Impact Activities: Walking, using an elliptical machine, gentle yoga, and lifting light weights are generally fine. These help keep blood moving without putting too much strain on your ovaries.
• Exercises to Avoid: Strenuous activities like running, CrossFit, kickboxing, gymnastics, or any exercise that involves jumping, twisting, or flipping should be avoided. This includes inverted poses in yoga and Pilates, as they might increase the risk of ovarian torsion.

If you’re a high-impact workout enthusiast, think of it as a temporary switch to more gentle activities.

Quick Tip: Listen to Your Body and Consult Your Doctor

Every egg freezing cycle is unique, and so is each body’s response. If you’re unsure whether your routine falls under “strenuous,” it’s best to check with your doctor. And remember, this advice isn’t medical guidance - it’s here to give you a little direction as you go through your journey.

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