How Long Is Recovery After Egg Retrieval?
If you’re considering freezing your eggs, it’s natural to have questions about the process — especially regarding recovery. Will you need to take time off work? How long is recovery after egg retrieval, anyway?
Below, we’ll guide you through what to expect after your egg retrieval. Remember, you’re not alone in this journey — at EVOLVE, we’re here to support you and address any concerns you might have.
What Is Egg Retrieval?
IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) egg retrieval is a minimally invasive procedure where mature eggs are collected from your ovaries. The viable eggs retrieved are then frozen through a vitrification process, and stored in a secure IVF lab for future use.
Post Egg Retrieval Recovery
A common question we always hear is: “How long is recovery after egg retrieval?” So, let’s take a closer look.
Egg Retrieval Recovery Timeline
The recovery process after IVF egg retrieval is generally minimal and straightforward but can vary from person to person. You’ll be advised to rest at home on the day of the procedure. It’s common to experience mild cramping and bloating after egg retrievals, which can be managed with a heating pad and over-the-counter pain relievers if necessary.
Most feel well enough to return to their normal daily activities within one to two days following the retrieval. However, some mild discomfort may persist. Listening to your body and taking things at your own pace is important. Any remaining symptoms usually resolve over the next few days, typically three to seven days after retrieval. During this time, avoiding strenuous exercise or bending and twisting the torso is recommended.
By the one-week mark, most people feel completely back to normal. However, attending your follow-up appointment is still important; this is usually scheduled about one to two weeks after the procedure.
You can expect your next menstrual cycle to arrive within one to two weeks of the egg retrieval procedure. This is a sign that your body is returning to its natural rhythms. And remember, everyone’s body responds differently to medical procedures. It’s crucial to follow your medical team’s specific instructions. If you have concerns during your recovery, please contact your team.
Pain Medication & Relief After Egg Retrieval
Most people find that over-the-counter pain medication such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) is sufficient to ease any cramping or abdominal pain. Your doctor or nurse may recommend a specific dosage or schedule for taking pain medications.
Applying a heating pad or warm compress to your lower abdomen can relieve cramping. To avoid skin irritation, use a towel between the compress and your skin, and limit the application to 15-20 minutes.
Gentle movement, such as short walks, can help alleviate discomfort and reduce the risk of constipation, a common side effect of the hormones used during the egg-freezing process. However, listen to your body. Rest, especially for the first day or so, might be best for some.
What To Avoid After Egg Retrieval
At EVOLVE, after an egg retrieval procedure, we usually recommend:
Avoiding sexual intercourse for about a week post-retrieval. Give your body time to heal; giving yourself this time will ensure a smoother recovery and a lower risk of infection after egg retrieval.
Avoiding hot tubs or baths for one week afterward. Again, this will reduce the risk of infection. Limiting your exercise to movements that don’t bend or twist the torso. We also don’t recommend intense or strenuous activity for up to a week post-procedure.
For more information about freezing eggs and the egg retrieval procedure, speak with an EVOLVE nurse. We’re happy to answer any questions you might have to help you make an informed decision regarding your fertility journey.
Egg Retrieval Prep, Procedure & Process
Now that you know what to expect in terms of recovery, let’s get into the egg retrieval process from start to finish.
Preparing for the Egg Retrieval Procedure
Preparing for the IVF egg retrieval procedure involves a series of steps designed to optimize the chances of a successful outcome. Your fertility doctor will provide specific instructions tailored to your treatment plan, but here are some general guidelines to follow:
- Medications: Your fertility doctor may prescribe medications to stimulate your ovaries to produce multiple eggs. These medications often include hormonal injections, which you’ll need to administer yourself. Following the prescribed schedule is crucial for the success of the egg retrieval process.
- Monitoring: Regular monitoring appointments are essential to track the growth of your ovarian follicles and eggs. These appointments help your fertility specialist determine the optimal time for egg retrieval, ensuring the eggs are mature and ready for collection.
- Diet and Lifestyle: Maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle is vital for optimal egg quality. Avoid alcohol, smoking, excessive caffeine, and heavy lifting. Managing stress through relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation can also positively impact your overall well-being and egg quality.
Egg Retrieval Procedure
The egg retrieval procedure takes about 15-30 minutes using light-conscious sedation to ensure your comfort and safety. Most people spend about two to three hours in the clinic from beginning to end, meaning they are discharged within about an hour or so of the procedure. This means you get to return home the same day.
Egg Retrieval Process
So, what exactly does the egg retrieval process involve? Here are the basic steps:
Preparation: After checking in at reception, you’ll be asked to change into a gown. With your permission, one of our EVOLVE nurses will insert an IV. This is necessary to deliver light-conscious sedation to make you more comfortable during the procedure. From here, one of our nurses will guide you to the operating room.
Ultrasound guidance: During the egg retrieval procedure, your medical team will use a transvaginal ultrasound probe to locate the follicles in your ovaries.
Needle insertion: A thin needle is then carefully guided through the vaginal wall into each ovary.
Egg collection: Gentle suction is applied to retrieve the eggs from the follicles. Our laboratory examines these eggs for maturity, and the viable eggs are frozen accordingly.
Post-Procedure Monitoring: After egg retrieval, you’ll be observed briefly to ensure you feel well enough to be discharged. Driving or operating heavy machinery is not recommended 24 hours after egg retrieval. We advise everyone to have a trusted support person to drive them home.
Egg Retrieval Recovery FAQ
How long to rest after egg retrieval?
This often depends on the person. We recommend resting at home the day after your egg retrieval procedure. However, some may find they’re back to normal within the day. Meanwhile, others may not feel back to normal until a few days or a week later.
When can you exercise after egg retrieval?
This also depends on the person. Yet, generally, we recommend avoiding strenuous activity and movements that bend or twist the torso the week following your egg retrieval. This is because the ovaries are enlarged, and pressure on this area may lead to ovarian torsion. Instead, opt for light weights, leisurely walks, or gentle exercises that don’t involve bending or twisting.
References: https://www.uwmedicine.org/sites/stevie/files/2018-11/After-Your-Egg-Retrieval-Without-Embryo-Transfer.pdf
