5 Essential Tips to Recover Quickly from Your Egg Retrieval
Undergoing an egg retrieval procedure is a major milestone in your fertility journey. Whether you're pursuing in vitro fertilization (IVF) or egg freezing, this critical step involves stimulating your ovaries to produce multiple mature eggs, which are then carefully extracted to be fertilized or cryopreserved for future use.
While the egg retrieval itself is a relatively quick outpatient procedure, the recovery process can take some time. It's important to have realistic expectations and be prepared for what to expect in the days and weeks following your egg retrieval. In this comprehensive guide, double board-certified reproductive endocrinologist Dr. Lora Shahine shares her top 5 tips to help you recover quickly and smoothly from your egg retrieval.
1. Set Realistic Expectations for Egg Retrieval Outcomes
One of the most important things to understand about the egg retrieval process is that the number of eggs retrieved can vary, even if the pre-procedure ultrasound and bloodwork suggested a certain outcome. As Dr. Shahine explains, "When you wake up before you go home from your egg retrieval, you will learn the number of eggs that were retrieved, and this can either be an exciting moment or it can be a disappointing moment."
It's crucial to have an open discussion with your fertility team ahead of time about your expected egg count. Ask questions like:
How many follicles are we seeing on the ultrasound?
How many eggs do we expect to retrieve?
What factors might impact the final egg count?
This way, you can be prepared for a range of possible outcomes. If you retrieve fewer eggs than expected, try not to be too discouraged. As Dr. Shahine notes, "If you get fewer eggs than what you were expecting, then most likely there just wasn't an egg in every follicle or those eggs weren't mature." The important thing is that your medical team was able to retrieve as many viable eggs as possible.
On the other hand, if you end up with more eggs than anticipated, that's great news! However, Dr. Shahine cautions that "it doesn't necessarily mean you're going to have more embryos than expected." The key is to focus on the quality, not just the quantity, of the retrieved eggs.
No matter the final egg count, be sure to write down any questions you have and discuss them with your doctor. Understanding the reasons behind the outcome can provide valuable peace of mind during the recovery process.
2. Manage Post-Procedure Pain and Discomfort
After your egg retrieval, you can expect to experience some level of discomfort and soreness. As Dr. Shahine explains, "Most of the time people have discomfort and maybe take some over-the-counter medication." Your fertility clinic may also provide you with a prescription-strength pain medication to use as needed.
If the pain is not well-controlled by the medications provided, or if it seems to be getting worse rather than better, it's important to reach out to your medical team right away. As Dr. Shahine advises, "If you are having pain that is not controlled by the medications that you receive from your clinic...then call your clinic, talk to your medical team, [and] get your questions answered."
While some level of discomfort is normal, significant or worsening pain could be a sign of a complication that requires medical attention. Don't hesitate to advocate for your comfort and wellbeing.
3. Be Aware of Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS)
Another important consideration during the egg retrieval recovery process is the potential development of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). OHSS is a collection of symptoms that can occur when the ovaries become overstimulated, leading to the accumulation of fluid in the abdomen and pelvis.
As Dr. Shahine explains, "OHSS is not necessarily related to the egg retrieval, it's just that as you're recovering from your egg retrieval, you need to know the signs and symptoms of it and when to call your medical team because you want to take care of yourself."
Some key signs and symptoms of OHSS include:
Rapid abdominal swelling or weight gain
Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
Shortness of breath
Decreased urine output
If you experience any of these symptoms, it's crucial to contact your fertility clinic right away. OHSS can be a serious condition, but it's treatable with proper medical intervention.
To help reduce your risk of OHSS, Dr. Shahine recommends increasing your intake of protein, sodium, and potassium. "Try to stay hydrated, but have things with lots of sodium and potassium in them, and try to increase your protein intake," she advises. This can help draw fluid back into your bloodstream and support your body's natural recovery process.
4. Manage Post-Retrieval Constipation
Another common side effect of the egg retrieval process is constipation. As Dr. Shahine explains, "Recovering from an egg retrieval is often associated with constipation because if you are constipated, it can make the recovery so much more difficult. It can increase pain, it can increase discomfort."
There are several factors that can contribute to post-retrieval constipation, including:
Increased progesterone levels from the ovarian stimulation
Use of pain medications or narcotics
Decreased mobility and physical activity
Dehydration
To help prevent and manage constipation, Dr. Shahine recommends staying hydrated, increasing your fiber intake, and incorporating gentle movement and exercise as tolerated. She also advises speaking with your fertility team about potential over-the-counter remedies or stool softeners that may be appropriate for your situation.
Don't hesitate to reach out to your medical team if you're struggling with constipation during your recovery. Addressing this issue promptly can make a significant difference in your overall comfort and wellbeing.
5. Prepare for a Heavier-Than-Usual Period
The final tip from Dr. Shahine is to be aware that you may experience a heavier-than-normal period after your egg retrieval, especially if you are not planning a fresh embryo transfer.
As she explains, "If you are planning to freeze all your embryos...then you are definitely going to get a period about 7 to 10 days after your egg retrieval because there's no way that you're pregnant, you're not doing an embryo transfer. That period can be heavier than your typical period because you have higher levels of hormones from this ovarian stimulation that we did."
This is due to the thickened uterine lining that develops during the ovarian stimulation process. With no embryo implantation to maintain the lining, it is shed more dramatically during the post-retrieval period.
While this can be an unpleasant surprise for some, being aware of the possibility can help you prepare and manage your expectations. Keep extra pads or tampons on hand, and don't hesitate to reach out to your medical team if the bleeding or cramping seems excessive.
Recap and Final Thoughts
Recovering from an egg retrieval procedure can be a delicate process, but with the right preparation and support, you can navigate it successfully. Remember these 5 key tips from Dr. Shahine:
Set realistic expectations for your egg retrieval outcomes, and be prepared for a range of possible results.
Manage any post-procedure pain or discomfort, and don't hesitate to contact your medical team if the pain is not well-controlled.
Be aware of the signs and symptoms of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), and take steps to reduce your risk.
Proactively address potential constipation by staying hydrated, increasing fiber, and incorporating gentle movement.
Anticipate a heavier-than-usual period, especially if you are not planning a fresh embryo transfer.
By following these tips and staying in close communication with your fertility team, you can set yourself up for a smooth and successful recovery from your egg retrieval. Remember to also take advantage of the valuable resources and support available through the Brave & Curious newsletter and Dr. Shahine's social media channels (Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, Facebook).
Wishing you all the best on your fertility journey!
