"If by exercising I can conceive; I would like to exercise". Exploring knowledge, perception, and practices about exercise among women with infertility: A qualitative study.
Gundimi Shashwathi, Bhamini Krishna Rao, Ajay Bailey and 2 others
PMID 39919540WHAT IT FOUND
Women with infertility often blamed themselves for the condition, believing obesity and lifestyle changes were the causes, even when male factors were identified.
They preferred walking and yoga but faced barriers like lack of time and family support. Most were willing to exercise if advised by doctors.
Key findings
01Participants perceived obesity and modern lifestyle changes as major causes of infertility, often blaming themselves despite male-factor infertility being common in the group.
02Walking and yoga were the preferred exercises, typically performed at low-to-moderate intensity for 20-30 minutes, 4-5 days a week, often due to a belief that they do not require supervision.
03Key barriers to exercise included lack of time, lack of family support, and social stigma, while facilitators were strong family support and available space.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTs
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What it does not show
The study was conducted only in South India, so findings may not apply to other cultural contexts. Most participants had a normal BMI, so the perceptions of overweight or obese women with infertility were not well represented. The sample size was small (20 women), and the study focused on perceptions rather than clinical outcomes.
Declared interests
The authors reported no potential competing interests. The research did not receive specific grant funding.
The easy way to misread this
Do not interpret this study as evidence that exercise improves fertility outcomes. It describes women's perceptions and practices, not clinical efficacy. Also, do not assume these findings apply to all cultures or to women with high BMI, as the participants were predominantly normal weight and from a specific region in India.