Egg retrieval is an essential part of the in vitro fertilization. In this procedure, the eggs are aspirated from the patient’s ovaries with the help of the intravaginal aspiration process so that they can be combined with the male partner’s sperm to form an embryo.
Egg retrieval is basically a big milestone in the fertility journey, but once this procedure is done, the next question that comes to your mind is how long you really need to rest and recover because the recovery process can vary greatly from one individual to another.
Factors such as the general health of a woman, her body’s reaction to the treatment, and even her post-procedural care can determine her recovery speed. So, in this blog, let us discuss the expected recovery time from egg retrieval, signs of issues, and some post-recovery advice so you can feel confident about your recovery process.
Typical Resting Period After Egg Retrieval
Since you have successfully made it through the egg retrieval process, you might be wondering how much rest you will really need to recover. Most people take a short while to recover and get back to normal, but it solely depends on your body’s condition. So let’s see what is the usual resting period after the egg retrieval.
How Long Should You Take Rest After Treatment Of Egg Retrieval?
In general, most people will require 1 to 2 days of recovery after the extraction of the eggs. The retrieval procedure involves minimally invasive surgery or MIS. Even though it is minimally invasive, your body still requires a recovery time after the process. You don’t have to stay in bed for several days but you need to prepare yourself for it.
Why is the Rest Period Important?
The retrieval of eggs is actually a procedure whereby the eggs are withdrawn from your ovaries using a needle. Thus, your body would really feel pretty sore afterward, with cramping or even some spotting.
Your ovaries will be sore, and you just might feel a little off for a couple of days after the treatment, so this resting period will help your body to heal and rebalance itself. Besides that, your body’s reaction to the fertility drugs may cause a fainting sensation, that’s why you need time to recover both mentally and physically.
Factors That Can Affect Recovery Time
Recovery after egg retrieval varies from patient to patient. No two patients will take the same amount of time. However, a few things can make a big difference in your recovery time. Let’s look at the main factors that can influence your recovery.
- How Many Eggs Were Retrieved?
How many eggs are retrieved it’s depends upon your age, ovarian reserve and overall health, The number of eggs retrieved is one of the key factors in your body’s recovery process, If the doctor has retrieved a higher quantity, then your ovaries are going to be much more swollen. You may also experience more bloating, cramping, and tenderness, so your recovery may take a little bit longer. And if there weren’t as many eggs retrieved, perhaps you’ll feel better sooner.
- Your Overall Health and Wellness
Like all other surgeries, your overall health will determine how fast you recover. If you are an overall healthy and fit person, then you will be able to recover much faster than someone who has some other medical condition. A healthy lifestyle that involves proper nutrition, hydration, and sleep will help your body in the healing process, as well as during egg retrieval.
- Pain Tolerance of Each Woman
The level of pain tolerance is different for everybody, so what may hurt one woman will barely bother another. Similarly, what some women describe as barely painful might be more uncomfortable to others.
Some women have even mentioned mild cramping after the procedure, while for others, it was a bit uncomfortable. Over-the-counter pain medication or a heating pad can make things a bit easier to tolerate, though your personal pain tolerance will actually dictate how long you need to rest.
- How Do You Care for Yourself After the Procedure?
The amount of rest you provide for your body after the egg retrieval may also impact your recovery time. So, don’t push your body to do heavy exercises, and immediate intercourse after egg retrieval it’s can delay your recovery time. Rest well, drink more water, and give your body the time it needs to heal. To jump back into your routine quickly, pay attention to your body!
- Age and Hormonal Factors
Unfortunately, age plays a major role in recovery time. Younger women generally recover quicker than older women because of their body’s reaction to the procedure. In addition to that, the hormone levels can be varied according to age, which can influence your recovery time.
- Any Other Pre-Existing Conditions
Other conditions like PCOS, endometriosis, or previous ovarian cysts may even affect the egg retrieval process and recovery. These may have made your ovaries too sensitive or may prolong recovery time. Always let your doctor know about any previous medical conditions so that they can customize the process and recovery information according to your needs.
Warning Signs and Complications
Recovery from egg retrieval is a big deal, and though most women bounce back quickly, you need to keep an eye on some warning signs and complications. Here are some warning signs and complications that can happen after egg retrieval.
Severe Abdominal Pain: You may have light cramping, but it could progress to severe bloating, and it can be a symptom of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome.
Nausea And Vomiting: If you are feeling nauseous more than a day or two after the procedure, this can mean OHSS or another complication.
Rapid Weight Gain: You may gain weight, usually more than 2-3 pounds in a day. This is fluid retention, which could be an indication of some complications.
Difficulty In Breathing: If you have reached a stage where you feel dizzier than ever or find you are having trouble breathing, this may indicate serious complications like fluid accumulation inside your lungs.
Tips for a Comfortable and Speedy Recovery
Here are some tips for a smooth and speedy recovery after egg retrieval:
Take It Easy: Do not bounce back quickly into your routine, let your body do its healing work, and listen to what it is saying.
Hydrate More Often: Staying hydrated helps to reduce bloating and keeps you feeling good, and it also supports your body in the healing process.
Eat Light and Nutritious Foods: Avoid heavy, greasy meals. Take foods that are light and easy to digest, such as fruits and vegetables, and take more proteins so that your energy is maintained.
Dress Comfortably: Wear loose and soft clothes, and don’t place any kind of pressure on your abdomen while it heals.
Stay Cool and Calm: When the anxiety starts creeping in, take some deep breaths or gentle stretches to calm down your mind. The calmer your mind is, the faster your body will get back to being healthy.
Follow Your Doctor’s Instructions: Take all prescribed medicines and ensure you show up for all your follow-up appointments.
All this will ensure a smooth recovery! Don’t be afraid to lean on friends or family if you need a little extra care or support. You deserve it!
When to Resume Normal Activities
Recovery to normal activities after retrieval of the egg depends on how you’re feeling and your doctor’s advice, but generally, here is what you can expect:
Day 1-2: Resting and Recovery
You are likely to feel quite tired, a bit sore, or bloated after the procedure. Just take the first couple of days off. Avoid doing anything that adds pressure to your abdomen.
Light Activities After 2-3 Days
Minimal walking or light stretching can be done within a few days as you start to recover. This again helps to flush out excess fluids in the body and ensures proper blood flow.
Return To Work After 3-5 Days
If you work at a desk or have no form of physical labor in the workplace, you could easily return to work within several days off. Simply pay attention to your body and take breaks whenever it feels like it.
Avoid Sexual Activities for 1-2 weeks
You should avoid sexual activity for 1-2 weeks after egg retrieval as your ovaries may still be tender.
Discuss with Your Doctor
Just be sure to ask your doctor about returning to certain activities, especially if you’re still feeling uncomfortable.
Conclusion:
The recovery journey after the egg retrieval might differ from person to person, but the simple thing you need to remember is to listen to your body, take it easy on yourself, and let yourself get all of the time for recovery.
A little rest, a bit of hydration, and some patience, and you’ll be right back focusing on the road ahead for your fertility journey. Just remember, healing is a process, and you should not force it. If you feel that something is not right, communicate with your doctor. You got this!
FAQs
After the egg retrieval, it is best to rest for the first couple of days. After two days, you can do some simple household work.
Yes, you can go for a walk after 2 – 3 days of retrieval. It is important to protect your ovaries so avoid heavy exercises and running.
Here are some things you need to avoid after egg retrieval:
- Heavy exercises
- Sexual intercourse
- Alcohol
- Driving