Walking During Your IVF Treatment – Plus tips to get you started.

When we think about exercise, we often picture intensive workouts or strict fitness regimen and definitive goals but the truth is that sometimes the simplest activities can be the most beneficial. Walking is one of those simple yet effective exercise activities. It’s easy, low-impact, and accessible for almost everyone, especially those going through fertility treatments.

Whether you’re just beginning your fertility journey or you are already undergoing treatment, incorporating regular walks into your routine can boost your physical, mental and emotional well-being. In this blog we’ll explore the key benefits of walking and why it’s a great addition to your fertility treatment plan. 

1. Walking Improves Circulation and Blood Flow 

Good circulation is essential for your reproductive organs to function optimally, and walking is one of the best ways to promote healthy blood flow around your womb and reproductive organs. When your circulation improves, it can positively impact your fertility in a variety of ways.

• It Boosts Oxygen Supply to the body –  Walking increases your heart rate, which in turn boosts the amount of oxygen and nutrients delivered to your body including your reproductive organs. Improved blood flow to the ovaries and uterus supports egg health and prepares the uterine lining for implantation during fertility treatments like IVF.
• Promotes Detoxification – Healthy circulation also helps your body remove waste products more efficiently. By increasing blood flow, walking can support your body’s natural detox processes, keeping your system in balance as it goes through the rigours of fertility medications.
• Supports Overall Vitality – Better circulation means better overall health. As your body becomes more efficient at transporting oxygen and nutrients, you’ll notice a boost in energy levels and improved physical well-being—all of which contribute to a healthier fertility journey.

Regular walks literally keep your blood pumping, which is crucial for maintaining optimal reproductive health and supporting your body during fertility treatments.

2. Walking Naturally Balances Hormones 

Hormones play a crucial role in fertility, and imbalances can make it harder to conceive. Walking helps to support your body’s natural hormone regulation processes, particularly during IVF, when your body will be dealing with fluctuating hormone levels from the various medications you’re given. Walking is a great way to help your body regulate its hormonal rhythms.

• It Reduces Cortisol (the Stress Hormone) – Walking helps to reduce cortisol, the hormone released when you’re stressed. High levels of cortisol can interfere with reproductive hormones like oestrogen and progesterone, which are essential for ovulation and implantation. By lowering cortisol, walking helps maintain a healthier hormonal balance.
• It Improves Insulin Sensitivity – Walking can also improve insulin sensitivity, which plays a role in reproductive health. High insulin levels are associated with conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a common cause of infertility. By improving insulin sensitivity, walking supports better hormone regulation and reproductive function.
• It Promotes Serotonin Production – Walking outdoors, especially in natural settings, promotes the release of serotonin, the “happy hormone.” Serotonin not only boosts mood but also helps to regulate sleep and your appetite – both of which play a role in maintaining healthy hormone levels.

3. Walking Reduces Stress and Promotes Relaxation

IVF can bring a lot of stress, both emotional and physical. From the hormone injections to the emotional rollercoaster of waiting for results, the pressure can sometimes feel overwhelming. Walking is a fantastic way to relieve some of that stress.

• It Promotes Mindfulness –  Taking a walk, especially in nature, can act as a form of moving meditation. As you walk, focus on your breathing, the rhythm of your steps, and the world around you. This helps clear your mind of worries, allowing you to feel more relaxed and centred. You can always listen to a meditation, podcast or just play a favourite playlist, all of which can help you to feel calm & happy. 
• It Improves Sleep – Walking also helps to  regulate your sleep patterns. Better sleep is closely linked to lower stress levels. A good night’s sleep can help your body recover, balance hormones, and reduce anxiety, again making walking a natural remedy for fertility-related stress. 
• Provides Time for Reflection – Walking gives you time and space to think, reflect, and process your feelings about your fertility journey. Sometimes, stepping away from the stress and taking a quiet walk can help you gain perspective and feel more centred.

4. Walking Supports a Healthy Weight 

Maintaining a healthy weight is important when you’re trying to conceive, whether naturally or through fertility treatments. Many clinics/hospitals insist that patients are between a BMI of 19 and 30 when starting treatment. The idea is that being either underweight or significantly overweight can impact your fertility by disrupting hormone levels and making it harder for your body to regulate ovulation. Walking is a gentle yet effective way to support healthy weight management.

• Burns Calories Without Strain – Walking burns calories without putting too much strain on your body. This makes it an ideal form of exercise during fertility treatments, where intense workouts may be discouraged during treatment.
• Boosts Metabolism – Regular walking increases your metabolic rate, helping your body burn calories more efficiently. Over time, this can help you reach or maintain a healthy weight.
• Supports Mental and Emotional Health –  For those who find intense exercise stressful or overwhelming, walking provides a gentler alternative that can still support weight management while also benefiting your emotional well-being.

Walking is a great way to maintain a healthy weight without putting unnecessary stress on your body, making it the perfect addition to your fertility plan.

5. Walking To Assist Social Interaction

IVF and other fertility treatments can be isolating. Many couples going through IVF find it hard to connect with friends and family members. Walking provides a gentle activity and a way to maintain some of your closest connections with others. Ask a friend to meet up and walk with you. You can incorporate your partner or trusted friends into your treatment by spending time together walking and talking a little. This will also support your mental well-being during treatment.  Walking in groups can also be great fun.

What you need to remember 

Walking may seem like a small, everyday activity, but its benefits for both your body and mind are anything but small. From reducing stress and balancing hormones to improving circulation and supporting emotional well-being, walking is a gentle, accessible way to support your fertility journey. Its quite safe to walk throughout your treatment just don’t overexert yourself.

Try walking for 20 minutes a day and build up. You can walk to or from work, around a nearby park, through your city, at the gym or even at home. There as so many options, just decide what will work best for you.

So, whether you’re just starting IVF or looking for ways to improve your overall health as you go through treatment, incorporating regular walks into your routine can make a world of difference. Plus, it’s easy to do—just lace up your shoes, step outside, and take the first step towards nurturing your fertility and overall well-being. 

Lace up those shoes and hit the road!

Important – If you are unsure whether walking is safe for you, you can consult your doctor or fertility consultant.