What Happens on Egg Retrieval Day? Plus Tips for Post-Retrieval Recovery
Egg retrieval day is one of the most critical moments in your IVF journey, but can also be nerve-wracking! It’s when your fertility doctor collects the mature eggs from your ovaries to be fertilized in the lab. Understanding what to expect on the day of the procedure, as well as what happens afterward, can help alleviate anxiety and ensure a smoother experience. In this blog, we will break down everything you need to know about egg retrieval day and the recovery period that follows.
What is Egg Retrieval Day?
Egg retrieval, also known as aspiration, is a procedure performed under sedation to collect eggs from your ovaries. Prior to this day, you’ll undergo several days of ovarian stimulation with hormones to encourage the development of multiple follicles in your ovaries. On the day of the procedure, the eggs are aspirated from these follicles.
Before the Procedure: Preparation and Expectations
The process begins early in the morning, typically in a sterile clinical environment called the recovery room. The first step is that you will change into a gown and IV fluids will be administered to you. Then a nurse or medical assistant will guide you into the retrieval room, where an anesthesiologist will likely provide sedation or general anesthesia to ensure you’re comfortable and relaxed throughout the procedure.
During the procedure, the fertility doctor will use a long thin needle, guided by ultrasound, to retrieve the eggs from the follicles. The needle is inserted through the vaginal wall and into the ovaries, where the eggs are carefully aspirated. The procedure itself usually lasts about 20 to 30 minutes, and you will be monitored for a short time afterward in a recovery area.
Did you know there are some clinics in the world that do not use an anesthesiologist? Patients are awake and responsive throughout the whole retrieval and are only given local anesthesia in the vaginal area. These retrievals are typically done through vaginal ultrasound, but there have been rare cases where the doctor needs to go through the stomach area.
What to Expect Immediately After Egg Retrieval
Once the procedure is complete, the nurse or medical assistant will guide you back to the recovery room. You will spend some time in recovery while the anesthesia wears off. Many women feel groggy or slightly disoriented right after the procedure, but you should be awake and alert in about 30 minutes to an hour. Those who did the egg retrieval without anesthesia can rest for 1-2 hours and then immediately go back to their daily routine without any issues!
It’s common to experience some cramping, bloating, or spotting after the retrieval, as well as a feeling of fullness in your abdomen. This is due to the ovaries being temporarily enlarged after stimulation, and the discomfort should subside within a few hours or days.
Can I Exercise After Egg Retrieval?
While you might feel eager to return to your regular routine, it’s important to take it easy after the egg retrieval procedure. Strenuous physical activity, such as heavy lifting, intense exercise, or vigorous workouts, should be avoided for several days following the procedure. Engaging in high-impact activities may increase the risk of complications such as ovarian torsion, where the ovaries become twisted. It’s best to listen to your body and ease back into physical activity as you feel comfortable, usually after a few days. Light walking or stretching is generally fine, but always follow your doctor’s specific instructions.
From our experience at the IVF Kitchen, many patients do exercise after their retrieval and a majority go back to work since retrievals are in the early morning! Continuing exercise is completely fine, but should not overexert yourself by lifting and doing intense exercise training!
Managing Pain and Discomfort
Pain and discomfort are expected after egg retrieval, though they tend to be mild to moderate for most women. Cramping is the most common symptom, which can last anywhere from a few hours to a couple of days. Some women may also experience bloating, due to the stimulation of multiple follicles, or spotting. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen are typically recommended to manage mild pain, but always check with your doctor for guidance on which medications are safe.
In rare cases, women may experience Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS), a condition that occurs when the ovaries respond too aggressively to the hormones used for stimulation. If you experience severe pain, excessive bloating, nausea, or shortness of breath, it’s essential to contact your doctor immediately.
Post-Retrieval Care and Follow-up
After the procedure, your doctor will likely speak with you about the retrieval outcome. Then the nurse or medical assistant will help you change and check out at the front desk. There the clinic will likely schedule a follow-up appointment to monitor your progress.
Additionally, your doctor will provide you with instructions on when to resume certain activities, including resuming medications such as progesterone and estrogen to support the embryo transfer.
Conclusion
Egg retrieval day is a key milestone in the IVF process, and while it’s normal to feel anxious or unsure, understanding the procedure and post-retrieval recovery can help you feel more confident. Expect some cramping, bloating, and mild discomfort in the days following the procedure, but remember that these symptoms usually resolve quickly. Taking care of yourself by resting, avoiding strenuous activity, and following your doctor’s instructions will help ensure a smooth recovery. The journey toward parenthood is a marathon, not a sprint, so allow yourself time to heal physically and emotionally before moving on to the next step in the IVF process.
“Could anesthesia affect embryo quality?”
