Egg retrieval is a key part of in-vitro fertilization (IVF).
Egg retrieval and IVF are one of your possible paths to parenthood and knowing more about the egg retrieval experience what you can expect can help you prepare for the journey ahead.
To learn more about IVF and your other options for infertility, fill out our online contact form.
This article will dive into the before, during and after of egg retrieval and how it can make you feel.
What Does Egg Retrieval Feel Like?
Egg retrieval is one of the processes that make up IVF.
It’s a short, minimally invasive procedure that sees an ultrasound device is inserted into the vagina to identify the follicles that hold the eggs. A needle is then guided to those follicles, removing the eggs that will be used to create embryos.
If you want to know how egg retrieval feels, breaking it down into stages can help you identify what you might feel and when.
From the emotional aspects to the physical feelings that may come from the egg retrieval, here’s how to prepare.
Before Egg Retrieval
No matter how long you have wanted to grow your family, choosing IVF is a significant step forward to making that happen.
Prior to the egg retrieval, there are a wide range of emotions you may feel, from excitement to nervousness. Taking the initiative to prepare for the procedure itself is a great way to keep whatever emotions you are feeling in check.
About 36 hours before egg retrieval is to take place, you’ll take a human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) trigger shot to induce final egg maturation. Typical side effects include:
Acne Mood swings Facial hair growth Headaches Pain, irritation or inflammation at the injection site Tiredness Upset stomach
Although these side effects usually don’t require medical attention, you should contact your medical professional if they persist.
If the following side effects happen as a result of the trigger shot, you should contact your medical professional immediately:
- Allergic reactions (i.e. skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips or tongue)
- Breathing problems
- Breast enlargement
- Nausea, vomiting
- Pelvic pain or bloating
- Sudden weight gain
- Trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine
If you want to learn more about how egg retrieval feels, we can connect you with reputable fertility clinics near you that can give you more insight to their procedures and medications used. Contact us online to get the support you deserve.
What Can I Expect on Egg Retrieval Day? [Is the Egg Retrieval Process Painful?]
The egg retrieval procedure itself is short, between 10-30 minutes. The procedure involves placing an ultrasound device into your vagina to find follicles.
The egg retrieval process is not painful thanks to the effects of modern medicine. Anesthesia or sedation is used for the procedure to reduce or eliminate any discomfort. When it comes to recovery, medication addresses any pain or discomfort that comes after egg retrieval.
Sedation and anesthesia help manage pain effectively. Sedation promotes calmness, relaxation or drowsiness, while anesthesia induces complete insensitivity to pain.
Depending on your pain tolerance, there could be different levels of sedation or anesthesia that are right for you. Here are the types of sedation and anesthesia along with how they differ from each other:
Also known as “minimal” or “light” sedation, this type of sedation combines with anesthetic to relieve pain and a mild sedative that relaxes you while still allowing you to be awake and able to respond. This type of sedation allows quicker recovery and return to normal activities. If you are concerned about the pain as a result of the procedure, moderate sedation offers greater pain relief with medications delivered via IV. You will be asleep, remembering little to none of the procedure. Another name for sedation, medications are administered via IV to make you feel relaxed and sleepy. The level of sedation depends on your procedure. General anesthesia is the most common type, with medications used to render you completely unconscious with no sensation. This type of anesthesia completely blocks sensation in an area of the body that is being operated on. Numbing medication is injected into the nerves responsible for that part of the body. Similar to regional anesthesia, local anesthesia blocks sensation in an area of the body, but with a much smaller area.
How Does It Feel After Egg Retrieval?
Once the egg retrieval procedure is complete, you’ll be taken to a recovery area in the facility before heading home.
Common side effects after egg retrieval could be:
- Bloating
- Spotting
- Feeling of fullness
- Constipation
- Cramping
To recover from this procedure, it’s important to rest and relax, allowing your body the time to heal.
From avoiding strenuous activity in the coming days to having a ride home from the clinic the day of before resting on the couch, you could take a nap, order some food, read a book or watch your favorite show… take some time for yourself!
Other tips for recovering from the egg retrieval experience include:
Prescription-strength pain medication combined with over-the-counter pain medications should be able to address any symptoms after the egg retrieval. If the medication isn’t helping, the pain gets worse or is stronger than you were expecting, you can contact your medical professional. The extra hormones produced during egg retrieval can cause a heavier-than-normal period. Ovarian hyper stimulation syndrome can happen in the days after egg retrieval. It's typically mild but can become severe in rare cases. If you experience significant abdominal swelling, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, sudden weight gain (2-3 lbs. in less than 24 hours) or shortness of breath, reach out to your clinic.
More than 8 million babies have been born from IVF since 1978. It’s one of the most common forms of assisted reproductive technology that can help you live out your dreams of experiencing what it’s like to be a parent.
Whether you’re ready to take your next steps toward parenthood or just want to learn more about egg retrieval and IVF as an option for your journey get in touch with us today to get the support you deserve.