The effect of physical activity on fertility: a mini-review
Minhal Mussawar, B.Sc.,
Ashley A. Balsom, M.A.,
Julia O. Totosy de Zepetnek, Ph.D.,
Jennifer L. Gordon, Ph.D.
Affiliations
Minhal Mussawar, B.Sc.
Department of Psychology, University of Regina, Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada
Ashley A. Balsom, M.A.
Department of Psychology, University of Regina, Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada
Julia O. Totosy de Zepetnek, Ph.D.
Kinesiology and Health Studies, University of Regina, Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada
Jennifer L. Gordon, Ph.D.
Department of Psychology, University of Regina, Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada; Reprint requests: Jennifer L. Gordon, Ph.D., Department of Psychology, University of Regina, 3737 Wascana Parkway, Regina, Saskatchewan S4S 0A2, Canada.
Although lifestyle factors such as diet, cigarette smoking, and alcohol consumption are increasingly recognized as important contributors to the risk of subfertility, the role of exercise in fertility remains less clear. As such, it is challenging for healthcare providers to deliver clear, evidence-based recommendations to patients regarding the optimal frequency and intensity with which they should exercise to maximize their chances of conception. Therefore, this review provides a critical overview of the available research for various patient populations.
