Egg Freezing Side Effects
The biggest egg freezing complication is ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). This complication is associated with fertility treatments such as: IVF, follicular puncture, and egg freezing. OHSS is usually rare but some women are more likely to suffer from it; for example women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), or women who have had OHSS before. Your specialist will identify whether you are at risk of OHSS and then recommend a suitable course in your egg freezing cycle in order to prevent it.
The stimulation period of egg freezing can increase the chances of you getting pregnant naturally if your age is optimal fertility wise, so if you’re freezing your eggs for future use, during this period abstain from sex or use protective measures to avoid pregnancy.
Other small side effects that may happen after egg freezing include:
- Headaches
- Mood swings
- Insomnia
- Hot or cold flashes
- Breast tenderness
- Bloating
- Mild fluid retention
What is PCOS?
PCOS happens during women’s reproductive years and is a problem with hormones. The exact cause of PCOS is unknown and sometimes it runs in families. Only 10% of women are affected by PCOS and the typical age of onset of it is between ages of 15 and 25, with slowly progressive signs and symptoms.
If you have PCOS you might:
- Have irregular periods
- Or periods that last many days
- Polycystic ovaries
- Hard to lose weight
- Too much androgen hormone
You should see a doctor about PCOS if you observe signs of excess androgen in the female body. These include:
- New hair growth on your face and body
- Acne
- Male-pattern baldness
How can I minimize my risks of egg freezing?
- Have sufficient nutrient intake before your egg freezing cycle
- Decrease or avoid exercising
- Don’t smoke or drink
- Decrease or eliminate caffeine intake
- Avoid unprotected sex during the stimulation period since there’s a risk of getting pregnant
Read more about : Egg Freezing Advantages and Disadvantages