In today’s fast-paced world, fertility challenges have become increasingly common. Rising stress levels, sedentary lifestyles, hormonal imbalances, poor diet, and delayed parenthood are major contributors. While advanced reproductive techniques like Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) and In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) offer hope to many couples, these treatments also come with physical strain, emotional ups and downs, and financial stress. Amidst all this, yoga has emerged as a powerful complementary practice to support fertility treatment success.
Stress is a major factor that directly impacts fertility. Elevated levels of cortisol (the stress hormone) can disrupt ovulation, reduce sperm quality, and even interfere with implantation. While medical treatment focuses on physical intervention, managing stress and restoring hormonal balance is equally essential — and this is where yoga plays a crucial role.
Yoga is not just a form of exercise but a complete mind-body approach that supports physical health, emotional stability, and hormonal balance. Asana practices help increase blood flow to the pelvic region, release tension in the reproductive organs, and support glandular function. Gentle poses like Baddha Konasana, Viparita Karani, and Setu Bandhasana promote pelvic health and ease discomfort during fertility treatments.
Breathing practices like Anulom Vilom, Nadi Shodhan, Ujjayi, and Bhramari help calm the nervous system and reduce cortisol levels, creating a calmer internal environment that supports fertility. Meditation, visualisation, and positive affirmations further boost emotional resilience and bring a sense of inner peace during this sensitive journey.
A real-life example from my practice highlights the impact of yoga during IVF. One of my students, aged 34, came to me after multiple miscarriages and surgeries. Initially, she joined for gentle recovery and emotional healing. She later attempted IUI but couldn’t continue yoga due to medication side effects, and the treatment failed. Months later, she opted for IVF and followed a customised yoga plan throughout the cycle — including restorative asanas, pranayama, and guided meditations. This time, her body responded well, the embryo quality was excellent, and the IVF cycle succeeded.
This experience shows that yoga, when practiced mindfully under expert supervision, can enhance the body’s receptivity, regulate hormones, and foster emotional balance all of which are vital during fertility treatment.
To conclude, yoga is not a replacement for medical treatment but a valuable ally. It brings strength, calmness, and clarity during an emotionally challenging phase. When integrated thoughtfully into the fertility journey, yoga becomes a supportive pillar — nurturing not just the body, but the mind and spirit as well.
By Sheetal Kalan
Prenatal Yoga & Garbhasanskar Expert | Certified Yoga Therapist, Shree YogVilla, Dombivli