Yoga for Fertility
Enhancing fertility with yoga
Many people trying to conceive are exploring natural ways to support their fertility journey. Yoga is emerging as a popular practice, not just for physical and mental well-being but also for supporting reproductive health. Practicing yoga can help create optimal conditions for conception by managing stress, enhancing blood flow, balancing hormones, and creating a connection between mind and body. These kinds of lifestyle adjustments can make a positive difference on fertility for both women and men.
Related reading: Tips for boosting fertility
Yoga for fertility at a glance
- The role of stress on fertility, and how yoga can reduce stress.
- Yoga’s impact on hormonal balance and increasing blood flow to the reproductive regions of the body.
- Yoga and male fertility.
- Mind-body meditation benefits of yoga.
- Recommended yoga practices and poses for fertility.
- Lifestyle factors that complement yoga to boost fertility.
- RSC of New Jersey is part of the Prelude Network, which offers patients a discounted 6-week yoga program (more details below).
The role of stress on fertility
Studies show that high levels of stress can negatively impact fertility. Stress triggers the release of cortisol and other hormones that can interfere with the reproductive system. Yoga, known for helping to reduce stress, promotes relaxation and a calmer mental state.
Techniques like deep breathing, meditation and gentle stretching activate the body’s parasympathetic nervous system, helping reduce cortisol levels and enhancing relaxation. For people facing fertility challenges, managing stress through yoga may play a role in improving fertility outcomes.
Hormonal balance and yoga
Hormonal imbalance can be a barrier to conception, impacting ovulation and overall reproductive health in women. Yoga practices that focus on gentle movements, controlled breathing and meditation can help regulate the body’s endocrine system, which regulates reproductive hormones.
According to a study of improving fertility through yoga and lifestyle changes, specific poses, such as bridge, cobra and child’s, can stimulate the pituitary, thyroid and adrenal glands, which are key for hormonal health. By performing these postures, yoga practitioners may find an improvement in their hormone balance, which can support healthy ovulation and overall fertility.
Increasing blood flow to the pelvic region & reproductive organs
In the same yoga and fertility study, researchers also found that yoga can support fertility by increasing blood flow to the pelvic area, nourishing the reproductive organs. Poses such as baddha konasana (the butterfly), pigeon and bound angle are beneficial for enhancing circulation in the pelvic region.
Better blood flow means more oxygen and nutrient supply to the reproductive organs, which may improve their function. Over time, a consistent yoga practice may help reduce inflammation in the reproductive system as well.
Yoga and male fertility
Men’s fertility can also benefit from yoga. Regular practice can improve sperm quality, according to the International Journal of Yoga.
Yoga can also reduce stress in men, with fertility benefits including:
- Overall reproductive health, including less interference from stress on reproductive hormones and sperm production.
- Potentially improving a man’s sex drive, which can be negatively impacted by stress, thereby making conception more difficult.
Mind-body connection and fertility
As mental state and bodily function are connected, mind-body meditation techniques through yoga can have a positive impact on conception. The meditative aspect of yoga encourages mindfulness, allowing individuals to reconnect with their bodies, embrace self-compassion and foster a positive outlook. This mind-body awareness can help people release negative emotions associated with fertility struggles and embrace a more hopeful mindset.
Mindfulness and yoga to fortify the fertility journey
Mindfulness practices are integral to yoga, allowing practitioners to connect with their bodies and reduce anxiety. Techniques such as guided meditation, visualization and breathing exercises help focus the mind, alleviate anxiety and support a positive mental state. For those on a fertility journey, cultivating mindfulness can promote resilience, helping them cope with potential setbacks or delays.
Recommended yoga practices for fertility
While any yoga practice or exercise can be beneficial, some specific forms and poses are particularly suited for supporting fertility.
- Restorative yoga: This style focuses on slow, gentle poses and deep relaxation, making it an excellent choice for those who want to minimize stress.
- Hatha yoga: A balanced practice of movement and breath, Hatha yoga can support relaxation and flexibility while encouraging hormonal balance, and has been studied as a support to IVF.
- Yin yoga: Targeting the body’s connective tissues, Yin yoga can increase blood flow to the pelvis and hips, supporting reproductive health.
Fertility-boosting yoga poses
As noted above, poses that improve blood flow, support hormonal balance and promote relaxation can benefit fertility. Here are some specific yoga poses to try:
- Bound angle pose (baddha konasana): Opens the hips and improves blood flow to the pelvic region.
- Legs up the wall (viparita karani): A restorative pose that reduces stress, calms the mind and improves circulation.
- Reclining bound angle pose (supta baddha konasana): Promotes relaxation and increases blood flow to the pelvic area.
- Bridge pose (setu bandhasana): Stimulates the thyroid gland and helps with hormone regulation.
- Child’s pose (balasana): Relieves stress and promotes relaxation, supporting the nervous system.
Lifestyle factors to complement yoga for fertility
While yoga offers numerous benefits, combining it with a healthy lifestyle may enhance results. Eating a balanced diet rich in antioxidants, managing body weight, exercising, reducing caffeine intake, and avoiding smoking and alcohol can support the reproductive system.
Maintaining an overall balanced lifestyle supports the benefits of yoga and fosters optimal health for conception.
Exclusive yoga program discount for Prelude Network patients
Prelude Network Clinics across the country, like Reproductive Science Center of New Jersey, have partnered with Pulling Down the Moon to bring you a specialized 6-week Yoga for Fertility program. As a Prelude patient, you’ll receive a $70 discount – bringing the program cost down from $210 to just $140 (that’s less than $25 per week!).
This program is designed exclusively for Prelude patients and has been shown to reduce anxiety by up to 20%. Participants will enjoy weekly live yoga classes and access to a supportive virtual community through the Fully Fertile app.
Get started with Prelude’s 6-week Yoga for Fertility program
Don’t miss this opportunity to prioritize your well-being during your fertility journey. Ask RSCNJ clinic staff for the exclusive Prelude patient code and start your path to relaxation and connection today.
Add yoga to your fertility journey with discounted weekly classes from our partner Pulling Down the Moon.