Completing egg retrieval is an exciting milestone as one of the first steps toward creating embryos. Knowing what to expect post egg retrieval can help you manage your recovery and prepare for the next phases of your journey to parenthood.
Although every woman’s body reacts to things differently, here are some of the most common side effects and what you can expect after egg retrieval in IVF.
At American Surrogacy, we know what it takes to help fast track your journey to parenthood. If you don’t have embryos created and want to get started with surrogacy, we can help you begin the surrogacy planning questionnaire to get you one step closer to becoming parents.
What to Expect After Egg Retrieval
After the egg retrieval procedure, you’ll be taken to a recovery area where you’ll be monitored for an hour. Pain medications may be administered as needed depending on severity. Some discomfort is common after the egg retrieval along with some pelvic pain, light bleeding and nausea. These symptoms are typically mild and can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication.
Immediately after the egg retrieval procedure, you’ll need to be accompanied by someone who can drive you home and should not be left alone for the rest of the day. It is important to rest for at least 1-2 days following the retrieval, avoiding strenuous activities in order to allow your body to recover.
The IVF Process After Egg Retrieval: What is the Next Step?
Once your eggs have been retrieved, they are either frozen through cryopreservation, incubated with sperm overnight or sperm directly injected into each egg in order to fertilize them. After insemination, an embryologist will check on the status of the fertilized eggs.
A fertilized egg develops into an embryo and will go through the various stages of embryo development. These embryos will be cryopreserved for use at a later time or indefinitely. After the egg retrieval process, it’s best to be accompanied by someone who can drive you home and monitor you.
At the appropriate time, one or more embryos can be transferred in order to initiate a pregnancy.
You can read more about the embryo transfer for surrogacy by reading our complete guide.
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How Do I Start the Surrogacy Process After Egg Retrieval?
When you’ve completed the egg retrieval process, you can join our wait list and activate with us while you wait on embryo creation. We’ll walk you through the Surrogacy Planning Questionnaire and help you set your profile up so that you can quickly begin the process once you have embryos created.
With our wait times averaging 1-6 months, you can count on us to help you get one step closer to holding your baby in your arms.
Common Side Effects After Egg Retrieval
Bloating After Egg Retrieval Bloating is a common symptom due to the hormonal changes and physical manipulation of the ovaries. Staying hydrated and eating a balanced diet can help reduce bloating. Over-the-counter medications can also provide relief.
Pain After Egg Retrieval Pain can range from mild discomfort to more intense sensations in the pelvic region. Rest, applying a heating pad and taking pain relievers can help manage the pain.
Hormone Crash After Egg Retrieval Hormonal fluctuations can cause mood swings, fatigue and other symptoms similar to PMS. Be sure to get adequate rest, maintain a healthy diet and consider discussing hormone supplements with your doctor if symptoms are too severe.
Constipation After Egg Retrieval Constipation can occur due to the anesthesia and medications used during the procedure. Increase your fiber intake, stay hydrated, and consider using a mild laxative if needed.
OHSS Symptoms After Egg Retrieval Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS) is a rare but serious condition caused by an excessive response to fertility medications. Severe bloating, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and rapid weight gain.
Contact your doctor immediately if you experience severe symptoms. Mild cases can be managed with rest and fluids.
No Period After Egg Retrieval It is common for your menstrual cycle to be disrupted after egg retrieval. Your period should return within a few weeks. If it doesn’t, consult your doctor to understand your next steps.
Bleeding After Egg Retrieval Light bleeding or spotting is normal, but heavy bleeding is not. Monitor the bleeding and contact your doctor if it becomes heavy or is accompanied by severe pain.
Cramping After Egg Retrieval Cramping is a normal part of the recovery process. Rest, hydration, and over-the-counter pain relief can help alleviate cramping.
Common Side Effects After Egg Retrieval
Bloating is a common symptom due to the hormonal changes and physical manipulation of the ovaries. Staying hydrated and eating a balanced diet can help reduce bloating. Over-the-counter medications can also provide relief.
Pain can range from mild discomfort to more intense sensations in the pelvic region. Rest, applying a heating pad and taking pain relievers can help manage the pain.
Hormonal fluctuations can cause mood swings, fatigue and other symptoms similar to PMS. Be sure to get adequate rest, maintain a healthy diet and consider discussing hormone supplements with your doctor if symptoms are too severe.
Constipation can occur due to the anesthesia and medications used during the procedure. Increase your fiber intake, stay hydrated, and consider using a mild laxative if needed.
Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS) is a rare but serious condition caused by an excessive response to fertility medications. Severe bloating, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and rapid weight gain.
Contact your doctor immediately if you experience severe symptoms. Mild cases can be managed with rest and fluids.
It is common for your menstrual cycle to be disrupted after egg retrieval. Your period should return within a few weeks. If it doesn’t, consult your doctor to understand your next steps.
Light bleeding or spotting is normal, but heavy bleeding is not. Monitor the bleeding and contact your doctor if it becomes heavy or is accompanied by severe pain.
Cramping is a normal part of the recovery process. Rest, hydration, and over-the-counter pain relief can help alleviate cramping.
What’s Next?
Understanding what to expect after egg retrieval and being aware of common side effects can help you navigate the recovery process more comfortably. Always consult with your healthcare provider if you have any concerns or experience severe symptoms.
Your journey through fertility treatment is unique, and proper care and attention to your health are crucial for a successful outcome.
If you’re ready to start the surrogacy planning questionnaire or connect with a fertility clinic, contact us online now or call us at 1-800-875-2229.