Egg retrieval is a key step in IVF and egg-freezing treatment! Before the procedure, patients with fewer follicles may worry that too few eggs will be retrieved, while those with many follicles may be concerned about abdominal bloating and discomfort afterward. It is completely understandable to feel anxious or unsure. I am Chang Yi-Chun, Head Nurse at Becoming Reproductive Center. Below, I have summarized 10 common questions after egg retrieval and provided answers to each of them. I hope this information can support you on your journey toward parenthood.
1. What factors may increase the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome?
- People with an AMH level above 4 or those who already have polycystic ovaries may be more likely to develop ovarian hyperstimulation after using ovulation-inducing injections and undergoing egg retrieval. Therefore, when the follicles are mature enough to require a trigger injection, the physician will choose the type and dosage of the trigger injection based on the individual case, including the number of mature follicles (15-20 or more) and estrogen level (above 4000pg/mL), in order to reduce the risk of excessive stimulation and discomfort.
2. Is the number of eggs retrieved related to the chance of a successful pregnancy?
- For people who retrieve many eggs, there may be both joy and concern. The positive side is that there may be more opportunities for pregnancy, as well as embryos available for cryopreservation. These frozen embryos can later be thawed and transferred, increasing the cumulative pregnancy rate. Those who retrieve fewer eggs do not need to worry too much either. The medical team will do its very best to culture these precious embryos and help you achieve your goal. At Becoming Reproductive Center, there have been many cases in which only one egg was retrieved, one embryo was formed, and a healthy baby was successfully born after embryo transfer. Please feel reassured while waiting for the embryo culture results.
3. What are the common symptoms after egg retrieval?
- Symptoms that can usually be monitored: nausea, vomiting, dizziness after anesthesia, a small amount of vaginal bleeding, and mild abdominal bloating or discomfort. * Symptoms requiring immediate medical attention: fever, severe abdominal pain, shortness of breath, severe nausea or vomiting, a significant decrease in urine output, or heavy bleeding.
4. What dietary recommendations are there after egg retrieval?
- For those without “ovarian hyperstimulation”: fresh vegetables and a light diet are recommended, with 1500-2000cc of fluids per day. Avoid traditional Chinese herbal medicines that promote blood circulation, as they may increase the risk of bleeding. * For those with “ovarian hyperstimulation”: fresh vegetables and a high-protein diet (fish, meat, eggs, milk, and beans) are recommended, along with a low-salt diet and at least 2000cc of fluids and electrolyte-containing beverages (which may be diluted) per day. If abdominal bloating is severe and it is difficult to eat enough food, commercially available high-protein drinks may be used as a substitute. Traditional Chinese herbal medicines that promote blood circulation should still be avoided.
5. Do all oral medications prescribed after egg retrieval need to be finished?
- Egg retrieval is, after all, an invasive procedure. Postoperative oral medications may include painkillers, antibiotics, and hemostatic medications, and patients are generally advised to complete the prescribed course to help reduce the risk of infection and pain. For those with ovarian hyperstimulation, prolactin-lowering medication may also be prescribed to help prevent severe symptoms and ascites, and these medications should be taken on schedule.
6. How long should I rest after egg retrieval?
- On the day of the egg retrieval procedure, there may be discomfort from the puncture, and everyone responds differently to anesthesia. Therefore, it is recommended to take the day off from work. After that, activity can be adjusted according to your individual recovery.
7. When will my period come after egg retrieval?
- The timing of the first menstrual period after egg retrieval depends on the type and dosage of the trigger injection used. In general, menstruation usually occurs about 10-12 days after egg retrieval.
8. Can I have sexual intercourse or exercise after egg retrieval?
- After egg retrieval, the ovaries may become enlarged and corpus luteum cysts may develop. Sexual intercourse or strenuous exercise during this period may increase the risk of ovarian torsion or corpus luteum rupture. Therefore, it is generally recommended to wait until after your next menstrual period before resuming sexual intercourse. Light and low-impact activities may be resumed about one week after egg retrieval. For those with ovarian hyperstimulation, strenuous exercise is generally recommended only after menstruation has occurred.
9. Can I take a bath or swim after egg retrieval?
- Although there is no external wound after egg retrieval, small puncture sites remain in the vaginal wall. To reduce the risk of infection, soaking in a bath and swimming should be temporarily avoided.
10. Should I continue taking nutritional supplements after egg retrieval?
- This depends on the circumstances of the egg retrieval and the subsequent treatment plan. You can discuss with your attending physician whether you should continue taking them.
Find Becoming Reproductive Center and move closer to pregnancy sooner. Becoming Reproductive Center wishes you success in fulfilling your dream💕