Egg Retrieval Recovery Tips and Best Practices

Are you interested in donating eggs but don’t know what to expect? The entire egg donation process takes about 2-4 months for your initial cycle, including time for the application and health screenings. The final stage – the egg retrieval procedure – takes less than a day in-office before you can go home. You should expect to rest for 1-2 days after your procedure. Here’s what you can expect during the procedure and egg retrieval recovery tips and best practices for managing egg retrieval recovery afterwards.

 

What to Expect During Egg Retrieval

You’ve completed the two-week stimulation phase. Now, what? Many donors wonder what they should expect about the egg retrieval procedure, but there is no need to be concerned. Your team will monitor your comfort and safety throughout the entire process.

You will be placed under twilight sedation for the retrieval, which is performed in-office by a team of professionals. The sedative will ensure you feel calm and relaxed during the procedure. The procedure is pain-free, and typically, donors don’t even remember it.

The procedure is extremely precise and requires no incisions. Once sedated, the eggs are removed using a tiny needle through the side of the vaginal wall. Your physician will use an ultrasound wand to guide the needle and ensure all eggs are removed.

The entire procedure takes about 30 minutes. After that, you will be taken to a recovery room to rest for 1-2 hours before going home.

You might feel groggy, tired, or disoriented for a few hours after waking up from the sedation. Make sure you have a designated person to drive you home.

 

Is the Procedure Painful?

You should not feel pain during the procedure due to the sedation and pain medications you will receive.

Take the rest of the day and the next day, if needed, to recover fully. Most women are able to return to regular, light activity within 24-28 hours of their procedure.

Many women report experiencing discomfort similar to menstruation. Common side effects from the retrieval procedure include:

• Cramping
• Fatigue
• Bloating
• Spotting or light bleeding

Most symptoms can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication, but talk to your doctor if you have any concerns.

 

Egg Retrieval Recovery Tips

1. Follow your Physician’s Instructions

Your physician will provide detailed instructions for your recovery. Physician instructions may vary based on the procedure and medications you receive, so follow your individualized directions and call your doctor with any questions or concerns.

Do:

• Take any medications, like antibiotics or pain medicine, as prescribed
• Rest for the remainder of the day after your procedure
• Arrange for extra help, especially if you are a caregiver for someone else
• Shower as desired
• Use sanitary pads or liners
• Return to light activity, like walking, after 24 hours

Don’t:

• Drive or operate machinery or tools
• Drink alcohol
• Use tampons
• Engage in moderate to heavy exercise or high-impact activities for 48 hours
• Have sexual intercourse
• Soak in a bath or jacuzzi

 

2. Limit your Decision-Making Responsibilities

During your retrieval procedure, you received an anesthetic. These potent and effective medications are used during all kinds of procedures for sedation and pain relief.

In the first 24 hours of your egg retrieval recovery, the anesthesia may impair your judgment or ability to concentrate and make decisions. As a result, you should not make any major life decisions, sign legal documents, or be responsible for the care of another during this initial period of your recovery.

 

3. Take the Next Day Off

It is recommended to take off the rest of the day after your procedure and the following day for optimal egg retrieval recovery. Most women can return to work and other typical activities within 1-2 days after their procedure.

Plan for extra help. Arranging child or pet care, planning meals or household duties ahead of time, and scheduling an extra day off from work or school will help you rest and recover fully.

If you’d like a few extra days to relax, schedule your appointment for a Thursday or Friday! While most women only need a day or two to recover, taking the entire weekend is never a bad thing.

 

4. Take Over-the-Counter Medications

Basic over-the-counter pain medications are usually enough to manage any discomfort after the procedure. Typical options include acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Motrin). If you have any questions, your physician can recommend which medication to take and how much.

Contact your doctor if your pain is severe or poorly managed with over-the-counter pain relief.

 

5. Watch for Symptoms

The egg retrieval process is minimally invasive, and the risk of infection is rare. To minimize this risk, your doctor will administer an antibiotic prior to the procedure. Most women recover quickly and experience little to no side effects. However, like any medical procedure, it can come with certain risks.

Always contact your doctor if you are experiencing symptoms such as:

• Fever
• Heavy, bright red bleeding that fills a sanitary pad in less than 1 hour
• Severe pain
• Persistent nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
  

 

6. Treat Yourself

You’ve just finished an incredible journey and given an invaluable donation to another person or family! Be proud of what you’ve accomplished, reflect on your experience, and take time to recover properly.

Focus on whatever makes you feel happy and relaxed for the next 24-48 hours. Read that book you’ve been waiting to start, binge your favorite show, and devour your favorite dessert or meal!

 

You Can Change Someone’s Life Today

If you are a healthy woman between 18-31, you could be eligible to give a life-altering gift by being an egg donor.

At The World Egg and Sperm Bank, we don’t provide fertility services. This means our sole focus is on the care, comfort, and safety of our donors. Our data-driven protocols, skilled team members, and state-of-the-art facility in Scottsdale, Arizona set the gold standard in quality.

We are experts in gamete donation, retrieval, and vitrification (freezing) and can answer any questions you might have. Apply to be an egg donor today in just 30 minutes.

 

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