Recovery after egg retrieval
Recovery after egg retrieval
Most women are able to go home within two hours of the egg retrieval. We make sure someone is available to take the patient home, since they cannot drive a car after sedation or anesthesia.
We encourage those having an egg retrieval to take it easy on the day of the procedure. Rest and relax at home and catch up on your favorite series or watch a movie. You’re clear to return to work the following day, barring any complications.
Recovery after egg retrieval is usually quite rapid. You can expect to experience some pain after egg retrieval, including bloating, mild soreness in the vaginal area, slight abdominal cramping, or some spotting, which can last a couple of days. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as Tylenol or ibuprofen, will help. Most women feel back to normal by the next day.
You probably won’t need a follow-up appointment, but your team will be available should you need anything. If at any time you’re excessively bloated, throwing up, in a lot of pain, or otherwise feeling bad, give your healthcare team a call. Women taking injectable fertility medications are at risk for developing ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), which causes the ovaries to swell and become painful.
Mild OHSS can include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, as well as tenderness near your ovaries. If OHSS is suspected, it is recommended to follow a high protein “keto” diet with 150-200g of protein along with acupuncture. OHSS symptoms usually subside after several days to a week. But if your symptoms are severe, you may require medical attention.
The following recommendations will ease the recovery and prepare the body for next steps:
. Treat discomfort with a heating pad and rest
. Ask the physician to recommend pain medication if discomfort continues
. Avoid heavy lifting and vigorous exercise, as ovaries are still enlarged during this time and may be tender. Gentle walking is fine.
. Avoid alcohol or caffeine
. Avoid tub baths, hot tubs, Jacuzzis, swimming or immersing oneself in water from the time of the egg retrieval until after the pregnancy test. Take showers rather than baths.
. Avoid medication except that which the doctor or nurse has asked the patient to take
. Refrain from penetrative sexual activity in or around the vagina from this time up until one week after the embryo transfer
. Do not use douches, spermicides or vaginal creams during this time
Source:
. https://www.pacificfertilitycenter.com/treatment-care/in-vitro-fertilization/ivf-tour/egg-retrieval#:~:text=Recovery
. https://www.cnyfertility.com/ivf-egg-retrieval/