The sedentary lifestyle conundrum: How long sitting hours can give women infertility | Health Conditions News

By Pune Media On May 6, 2025

Health Conditions News

A sedentary lifestyle also increases the risk of cancers such as breast and endometrial cancer. This is because excess body fat produces more oestrogen, a hormone that can encourage the growth of some cancer cells.

While the dangers of smoking, alcohol consumption, and poor diet are widely discussed in cancer prevention, the impact of prolonged sitting remains under-discussed. (juanma hache/Moment/Getty Images)

New Delhi: Work looks very different today than it did a few decades ago. Most of us spend our days at a desk, moving only when necessary. It’s easy to ignore just how much time we spend sitting, but over time, it impacts our health. In addition to issues with general fitness, women’s reproductive health and even their risk of developing cancer are being negatively impacted by prolonged periods of inactivity. We often ignore the effects of sitting for long hours, but it can disrupt hormone balance, contribute to weight gain, and increase the risk of conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). All of these can make conception difficult.

And it’s not just fertility at risk. Studies suggest that prolonged inactivity raises the likelihood of cancers, including breast and endometrial cancer. With desk jobs becoming the norm, understanding these risks and finding ways to stay active has never been more important. Dr Muskaan Chhabra, IVF Specialist at Birla Fertility & IVF, Lajpat Nagar, decoded the same.

The impact on fertility

Spending hours in a chair with little movement affects reproductive health in more ways than one. Sedentary lifestyles can lead to weight gain, which in turn contributes to insulin resistance and disrupts the balance of oestrogen and androgens in the body. This imbalance is a major cause of ovulation irregularities, making conception even more difficult.

Women with PCOS may also experience worsened symptoms due to inactivity. Excess weight and insulin resistance can make the condition worse. Research also shows that obesity lowers the success rates of IVF treatments. Not getting enough movement can affect blood flow to the reproductive organs, making it harder for the uterus to support a pregnancy and for eggs to grow properly. Stress adds to the problem. Long hours at work or constant pressure can raise cortisol levels, which can interfere with reproductive hormones.

Increased cancer risks

A sedentary lifestyle also increases the risk of cancers such as breast and endometrial cancer. This is because excess body fat produces more oestrogen, a hormone that can encourage the growth of some cancer cells. Research shows that women who spend long hours sitting, especially those who are overweight, are more likely to develop these types of cancer.

Living a sedentary lifestyle can also increase the risk of ovarian cancer. Sitting for long periods and gaining weight can cause chronic inflammation and elevated levels of certain growth hormones, such as IGF-1, which have been linked to cancer development. Poor mobility can also impair the body’s natural detoxification process and lymphatic circulation, making it more difficult to eliminate toxic substances. Over time, these factors may raise the risk of getting ovarian cancer.

While the dangers of smoking, alcohol consumption, and poor diet are widely discussed in cancer prevention, the impact of prolonged sitting remains under-discussed. Taking a proactive approach in staying active can help mitigate these risks.

Breaking the cycle: Small changes that make a difference

While it all sounds concerning, the good news is that countering the effects of a sedentary lifestyle does not require any major changes. Incorporating small but recurring movements throughout the day can make a big difference in regulating hormones and improving blood circulation.

Here are a few things you can try, which are simple yet effective ways to stay active and support your overall well-being:

Taking regular short breaks to stretch or walk around
Opting for a standing desk or alternating between sitting and standing
Brisk walking, swimming, or gym workouts
Managing stress through mindfulness, yoga, or deep breathing exercises
Prioritising routine health checkups, including fertility assessments, mammograms, and gynaecological screenings

By making these small adjustments, women can support their reproductive health, reduce cancer risks, and maintain overall well-being, even in desk-bound jobs.

Simran Arora

Simran Arora is a Chief Sub Editor for the health beat at News9. With 6 years of experience in the industry, she looks at news, features and every unique development in the health sector.

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