Doctor explains how a sedentary lifestyle can increase the risk of infertility in both men and women

By Admin

18 Jun, 2025

Reproduction is a fundamental biological process vital for the continuation of life. However, over the past few decades, alarming trends have emerged especially in industrialized nations pointing to a troubling decline in reproductive health. A significant body of research now suggests that lifestyle choices, particularly sedentary behaviour, may be playing a critical role in this decline.

Dr. Kshitiz Murdia, CEO of Indira IVF, highlights recent findings that link the amount of time people spend sitting to an increased risk of infertility. A noteworthy 2019 study published in PLOS ONE found that sedentary behaviour in women and physical inactivity in men are independently associated with idiopathic infertility cases where no clear medical reason explains a couple's inability to conceive.

Unexplained Infertility and Lifestyle Factors

Unexplained infertility affects roughly 30–40% of couples facing difficulty in conceiving. The absence of a diagnosable medical issue can be incredibly frustrating, leaving healthcare providers to rely on broad-based treatment approaches. However, emerging evidence suggests that environmental and lifestyle factors especially those within personal control may be responsible for many of these unexplained cases.

That’s where the importance of understanding sedentary behaviour and physical inactivity becomes critical.

Sedentary Behaviour vs. Physical Inactivity

While the two terms are often used interchangeably, they refer to different risk factors:

• Sedentary behaviour: Activities that require low energy expenditure (less than 1.5 METs), such as sitting or reclining for extended periods.
  
  

• Physical inactivity: Failing to meet the recommended 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week.
  
  

A person might meet their weekly exercise goals and still spend too many hours sitting such as during work or leisure putting themselves at risk. While exercise helps mitigate many health risks, it cannot fully counteract the negative effects of prolonged sedentary behaviour.

The Impact on Fertility

Both sedentary behaviour and inactivity have been linked to hormonal imbalances, increased oxidative stress, and poor metabolic health all of which can negatively affect reproductive function. For men, inactivity may impair sperm production and quality, while in women, it can disrupt ovulatory cycles and overall hormonal health.

The Importance of Movement During Pregnancy

Staying physically active isn’t just about conception it also influences pregnancy outcomes. Pregnant women are advised to engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per week to enhance maternal and fetal health. These activities not only support a healthy pregnancy but also improve long-term reproductive health.

Taking Charge of Fertility

The good news? These are modifiable lifestyle factors. While genetics and age are beyond individual control, lifestyle changes are not. Increasing daily movement, reducing sedentary time, and maintaining regular exercise routines can have a profound impact on fertility.

As Dr. Murdia points out, medical understanding is growing: modifiable risk factors must be a central part of fertility discussions. Addressing them not only improves reproductive outcomes but also boosts overall health and wellbeing.

Conclusion

The message is clear: while not all causes of infertility can be avoided, many risk factors are within personal control. A proactive approach to health including minimizing sedentary time and staying physically active can improve fertility outcomes for both men and women. It’s a hopeful and empowering message for couples everywhere.