Follicular puncture is a noninvasive operation in which mature eggs are retrieved from the ovaries for IVF or ICSI use. This procedure takes 15 minutes and is performed without anesthesia. Although this operation is quite simple, you can follow instructions to make it even more comfortable and increase your chance of pregnancy. Continue reading to learn what to do before and after egg retrieval.
What Is Egg Retrieval?
Follicular puncture, or egg retrieval and collection, is the second step of the IVF procedure, through which eggs are retrieved from the ovaries. In the follicular puncture procedure, the ovaries are first stimulated with ovulation induction drugs, and then, human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) is injected to prepare the follicles for retrieval. Afterward, the eggs are removed by a needle connected to a probe. After examining the eggs in the laboratory, the high-quality eggs are fertilized with washed sperm through IVF.
Ovarian Stimulation Before Egg Retrieval
One or two weeks before egg retrieval surgery, the IVF specialist injects you with several ovulation inductions drugs to boost your egg production. These medications include:
- Drugs containing LH (luteinizing hormone), FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone), or a combination of both;
- Medicine to prevent the development of immature and premature eggs; and
- Oocyte maturation medicines such as HCG are injected 8 to 14 days after ovarian stimulation.
Dos and Don'ts Before Egg Retrieval
Before egg retrieval:
- Take blood tests for hepatitis B, hepatitis C, HPV, and coagulation;
- Do not wear makeup, perfume, jewelry, or contact lenses;
- Avoid having NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, aspirin, and other blood thinners, fish oil, and vitamin E supplements from a couple of days before the operation;
- Take medications for blood pressure, thyroid, or heart diseases according to the previous routine;
- If you have diabetes, discuss it with your specialist in advance;
- Do not have sexual intercourse from two weeks before ovulation;
- Avoid wearing tight clothes on the day of surgery;
- Arrive at the hospital one or two hours earlier to be admitted to the hospital and fill in the required forms; and
- Empty your bladder right before the operation and wear the gown and hat provided by your nurse.
It is noteworthy that before starting the operation, the specialist first examines the follicles with the help of ultrasound to ensure that ovulation is done and the size of the follicles is proper.
What to Do the Night Before Egg Retrieval?
You don't need to do anything special on the night before egg retrieval surgery. You have done all you should for the past few months, so you must relax and spend a great night with your family. Meanwhile, most doctors suggest doing the followings on the day before follicular puncture:
- Stay relaxed. You can do yoga and practice deep breathing to calm yourself down;
- Pack a bag that includes a water bottle, a book, comfortable clothes, a phone charger, slippers, etc.;
- Take a shower;
- Refrain from eating and drinking for six to eight hours before the procedure;
- Do not use makeup and skincare products containing alcohol and paraben.
Shaving before Egg Retrieval
On the morning of the egg retrieval procedure, you should shower and shave your pubic hair as it increases the risk of infection. The best way to remove pubic hair before follicular puncture is to shave them with a new and sterile razor. Waxing is strongly prohibited to prevent infections as it opens up the skin pores.
Egg Retrieval Procedure
Egg retrieval is not invasive; it is usually done quickly and painlessly. This operation is performed about 34 to 36 hours (sometimes up to 37 hours) after the injection of HCG, and several eggs are removed within just a few minutes.
Some sedatives and anesthetics are injected to put the patient under light anesthesia to carry out the egg retrieval process. This way, the patient won't have any pain, stress, or muscle contraction during the operation.
At the procedure beginning, the doctor identifies and locates the follicles with the help of a needle connected to an ultrasound probe. Then, the eggs are delicately separated from the follicles and removed from the body by a needle connected to a suctioning device. This device pierces the follicles and pulls the eggs and the follicular fluid (FF).
In the next step, the collected eggs are examined by an embryologist, and then they get fertilized with washed sperm through one of the assisted reproduction methods, IVF or ICSI. If the couple chooses IVF, doctors place the egg and sperm next to each other in the IVF dish to fertilize. If they choose ICSI treatment, healthy and motile sperm is directly injected into the center of the egg.
What to Eat Before IVF Egg Retrieval?
Since when you take ovulation induction drugs, you may gain weight or experience nausea, constipation, or appetite changes; it is recommended that you have a balanced and nutrient diet before and after egg retrieval surgery. In the following, we introduce some foods that you can have days before the follicular puncture procedure:
- Leafy vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, and kale;
- Dairy products;
- Nutritious seeds such as chia, pumpkin, and sunflower;
- Fish and its by-products;
- Foods rich in folic acid, selenium, zinc, antioxidants, etc.;
- Foods containing vitamins A, D, C, and E;
- Four to six glasses of water; and
- Healthy vegetable oils, especially olive oil.
What to Eat the Night Before Egg Retrieval?
Read the following to get more information about what to eat and what to avoid the night before egg retrieval:
- Drink plenty of water and have five (instead of three) light meals throughout the day;
- Add more protein to your diet for 48 hours before the procedure;
- Have fresh fruit such as apples, pears, bananas, and berries;
- Do not have spicy, processed, or canned foods;
- Avoid having salty and sugary foods, red meat, and caffeinated beverages, as they increase your blood pressure.
In the following, we introduce some foods that you can have days before the follicular puncture procedure:
- Egg sandwich + yogurt and dill + tomato + half an apple or banana
- Grilled chicken + potatoes + steamed vegetables + rose water and figs
- Homemade chicken sandwich + mint and yogurt + half an apple
- Pasta with chicken and vegetables + mint and yogurt + rose water and figs
What to Avoid After Egg Retrieval?
Also, it is better to avoid having the following foods before and after egg retrieval surgery:
- Inflammatory foods include sugar, refined carbohydrates, fried foods, processed foods, and red meat.
- Allergenic foods; and
- Caffeinated drinks such as coffee, coke, and tea.
Do's and Don'ts After Egg Retrieval
Sometimes, the patients feel cramps or pressure in their stomachs after IVF egg retrieval. Therefore, lying down 15 to 20 minutes after the procedure is better. Moreover, consider the following tips after egg collection:
- Have a complete rest for a couple of days;
- Take your medications just as prescribed by your doctor;
- Take anti-nausea medications if you are feeling sick;
- Take painkillers such as acetaminophen or diclofenac suppositories if you have stomachache or cramps;
- Take progesterone supplements in the form of injections, oral or vaginal suppositories to prepare the uterus for implantation;
- Take antibiotics to reduce inflammation of the genital organs and prevent infection;
- Avoid having sex for up to two weeks after the procedure;
- In case of having severe pain in the lower abdomen, abdominal swelling, or severe nausea, contact your doctor;
- Use metformin (Glomet) prescribed by your doctor if you have polycystic ovarian syndrome;
- Take an aspirin and dopamine agonists under your doctor's supervision;
- Inject calcium if necessary;
- If the estrogen level in your body is higher than normal or the number of follicles has exceeded, stop taking injectable drugs; and
- Replace gonadotropin with gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists such as Leuprorelin.
What to Eat After Egg Retrieval?
It would help if you had a nutrient and high-sodium diet after egg retrieval to prevent ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) and prepare your body for the next steps of IVF.
- Have three boiled egg whites with (or without) one yolk every day;
- Balance your intake of protein and carbohydrates;
- Eat food with a low glycemic index;
- Have food rich in fiber to help your bowel movement;
- Add essential fatty acids to your daily meals;
- Avoid having caffeine for at least ten days;
- Have organic food and avoid canned food;
- Have three main meals and two snacks;
- Add more vegetables to your diet and have a salad with olive oil;
- Avoid eating sweets as they increase your blood pressure;
- Have foods containing salt, such as chips, curds, salty puffed snacks, etc., as their sodium prevents OHSS; and
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and fresh juice.
Does Egg Retrieval Affect Ovarian Reserve?
Usually, in each menstrual cycle, several ovarian follicles begin to mature, but only one is fully matured, and the rest are destroyed. Then, the egg in the mature follicle is released from the ovary during ovulation; aging and some health problems (such as cancer and endometriosis) reduce the ovarian reserve naturally.
The doctor prescribes ovulation induction drugs for egg retrieval to provide the basis for the growth of many follicles containing eggs. These medications cause more than one follicle to reach full maturity. Of course, this number of eggs is smaller than those in the ovaries. Therefore, egg retrieval does not cause a significant decrease in ovarian reserve.
If you want more information about low ovarian reserve, follow this article.
Is IVF Egg Retrieval Dangerous?
No. IVF egg retrieval is a rather simple procedure and has low risk. However, in case of having the following symptoms after egg retrieval surgery, visit your doctor immediately:
- Fever more than 38˚ C;
- Abdominal swelling or severe pain in parts of it;
- Severe nausea or continuous vomiting;
- Having painful urination; and
- Heavy vaginal bleeding.
Side Effects of Follicular Puncture
Since you have to take different hormone medicines to stimulate ovulation, you may face some complications after the follicular puncture, including:
- Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome with secondary complications such as dehydration, blood clots, kidney damage, etc.;
- Formation of ovarian cysts in less than 1% of cases that can be treated with surgery;
- Injection site reactions such as bruising and redness;
- The reaction of the body to the injected hormones and the body's inability to control their levels;
- Breasts' pain and tenderness;
- Pain in the ovaries;
- Leakage of ovarian fluid into the belly;
- Heart palpitation;
- Flushing and sweating;
- Vaginal bleeding and spotting;
- Infection, especially if the doctor is not experienced;
- Vaginal dryness;
- Damage to the blood vessels in rare cases; and
- Occurrence of some symptoms of menopause, such as menstrual irregularity for a short period.
After egg collection, especially in cases where the number of eggs collected from the ovaries is large, the ovaries get swollen, and the patient may feel severe pain in her ovaries. After the first menstrual cycle after egg retrieval, these side effects will disappear, and the ovaries will return to their original state.
OHSS, after Egg Retrieval
Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is a response to the increase of hormones in the body. OHSS usually causes the ovaries to swell and become painful after egg retrieval; that's why the patient should get ovaries checkups frequently after egg collection.
Generally, ovarian hyperstimulation has mild or severe side effects, usually ten days after hormone injection. Symptoms of mild to moderate ovulation stimulation syndrome include:
- Fluctuating and mild pain in the abdomen;
- Nausea and vomiting;
- Bloating and diarrhea; and
- Pain in the ovaries.
These symptoms of mild OHSS usually improve on their own after seven days, but in severe cases, the patient may require hospitalization and additional treatment. Symptoms of severe OHSS include:
- Severe pain in the abdomen;
- Tight and swollen stomach;
- Sudden weight gain such as 2-3 kg in one day or 4-5 kg in three days;
- Decrease in urination frequency;
- Dark urine;
- Chronic and severe nausea and vomiting;
- Shortness of breath; and
- Dizziness.
The period after Egg Retrieval
After egg retrieval, your body faces hormonal changes; as a result, your first or second period after egg retrieval may be missed or delayed, which is quite normal. In most cases, people have their first period 10 to 14 days after egg retrieval, but having the second period depends on when they will ovulate.
Sex after Egg Retrieval
After egg retrieval, your ovaries will be swollen, painful, and tender; heavy activity may lead to severe pain and, sometimes, heavy vaginal bleeding. Generally, fertility specialists recommend not having sexual intercourse for two weeks after egg retrieval so that the pelvis and ovaries can rest and recover. You should also abstain from using tampons during this period as they may cause vaginal infection.
Spotting after Egg Retrieval
A needle and a suctioning device are vaginally inserted into the uterus during the egg retrieval procedure. So, it is common for patients to experience mild spotting or bleeding after egg retrieval. However, if spotting or cramping is severe and lasts more than a few days, contact your doctor.
Heavy Period after Egg Retrieval
Before the egg retrieval procedure, you must take hormonal medications to increase the number of mature follicles in the ovaries. These medications unbalance your hormones and make your uterine lining thicker than normal. Therefore, you will experience a heavy menstrual period and more cramps after normal egg retrieval.
Is Follicular Puncture Painful?
As mentioned, the follicular puncture is performed under light or local anesthesia using propofol intravenous anesthetic agent. As a result, the patient will have no pain during the puncture procedure.
Painful Urination after Egg Retrieval
During the egg retrieval surgery, the fertility specialist uses a transvaginal ultrasound probe to see the ovaries and the fallopian tubes. Without the guidance of this probe, the ovaries may get hurt, or the whole procedure may fail. However, in some rare cases, the ultrasound probe may scratch the urinary tract or cause a bladder puncture.
So, suppose you have severe pain during urinating, severe pain in the lower abdomen, leakage of urine, blood in your urine, or difficulty urinating. In that case, you should contact your doctor as soon as possible. Remember that having mild to moderate pain during urination is normal after egg retrieval and is minimized by maintaining good hygiene and staying hydrated.
Breast Pain after Egg Retrieval
Breast pain and tenderness, similar to the one you feel during your PMS, is a common complication of hormonal medications and injections. Usually, breast soreness eliminates within a couple of days after finishing the medications, but meanwhile, you can ease your pain by taking OTC painkillers and wearing loose clothes. Tight bras, tops, and bikinis will worsen your breast tenderness, so avoid wearing them.
Egg Freezing after Egg Retrieval
When the eggs are retrieved from the ovaries, one healthy egg is used in the IVF procedure, and the other high-quality eggs are frozen. 80% of the collected eggs are of high quality, mature, and suitable for freezing; therefore, they are immediately frozen in liquid nitrogen at -196.1° Celsius within 24 hours to be used for future pregnancies. The frozen embryo transfer (FET) procedure is like transferring fresh embryos. The embryo is transferred to the uterus by a narrow plastic tube and under local anesthesia.
It is worth mentioning that using frozen embryos increases the chance of pregnancy and reduces the risks of IVF to a great extent. As mentioned, several eggs are produced and retrieved from the ovaries by taking ovarian induction drugs. Since fresh embryos have lower quality than frozen ones, IVF specialists implant more than one embryo in the mother's uterus to increase the chance of pregnancy, which may lead to multiple pregnancies.
In most cases, multiple pregnancies are dangerous for both the mother and embryos as the mother develops preeclampsia which causes preterm labor. So, the doctor suggests using a frozen embryo as it has higher quality and transferring just one of it is enough for having a successful pregnancy. Also, the mother may not have suitable conditions for pregnancy then, so by using a frozen embryo; the mother can receive the embryo whenever she is ready.
Conclusion
In general, egg retrieval or follicular puncture is an outpatient operation in which one or more eggs are collected from the ovaries for IVF treatment. Although egg retrieval is a simple procedure, it requires several technological devices and a skilled doctor who can minimize the side effects of this procedure with their expertise.
In Iran, hundreds of fertility clinics and IVF specialists offer the best healthcare services at a fair price.
Contact the Raadina team to get more information about infertility treatments in Iran and to benefit from the affordable and wholesome packages of IVF in Iran provided by this company.
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FAQs about Egg Retrieval
How long does it take to prepare for egg retrieval?
Preparing for egg retrieval takes 14 days. You must take several medical tests and examinations and use hormonal medications to produce more eggs during this time.
How soon can you drink alcohol after egg retrieval?
Egg retrieval is the first step in the IVF cycle, and as the doctors suggest, alcohol must be avoided all through the IVF process. Therefore, you shouldn't drink or smoke at all after egg retrieval.
Should I stay at the hospital after egg retrieval?
Egg retrieval is an outpatient procedure so you can go home one or two hours after the operation. Remember that you cannot drive as you will be under sedation.
Will I have pain after egg retrieval?
After egg retrieval, you may experience cramps, mild stomachache, constipation, fatigue, bloating, spotting or light bleeding, pain in the pelvis, delayed periods, and heavy menstrual periods for one or two months.
How many eggs are retrieved in IVF?
In each IVF cycle, 8 to 20 eggs can be retrieved; however, only two-thirds are mature enough to be used in IVF. The number of mature follicles depends on the mother's age and how healthy her lifestyle is.
What tests should I take before egg retrieval?
Before egg retrieval, you must take a blood test to determine STDs, diabetes, and the level of TSH (stimulating thyroid hormone) and prolactin. Also, your doctor may ask you to take genetic testing, hematological tests (for determining anemia, hemophilia, and blood-clotting disorders), immunologic tests, hysteroscopy (if you have had repeated miscarriages), and trans-vaginal scan of your reproductive organs to find cysts and polyps.
How many days after egg retrieval is the embryo transferred?
The embryo transfer procedure is usually performed two to five days after egg retrieval. During this time, the egg is fertilized with the sperm and is matured to become a blastocyst. If you prefer to take the PGD test, the embryo is transferred 5 days after egg retrieval.
FAQs
What should I avoid after egg retrieval? ›
Hygiene: Avoid tampons, vaginal douches, tub baths (showers are fine), and/or swimming for 7 days following your egg retrieval. Avoid hot tubs, hot baths, and saunas until you see your obstetrician. Sexual Relations: Sexual intercourse may be uncomfortable following your egg retrieval.
What is the fastest way to recover from egg retrieval? ›Staying hydrated post-egg retrieval is one of the best ways to combat issues like bloating and fatigue. In addition to water, which should always be your first choice, you can drink other beverages that are high in electrolytes.
How do you prevent infection after egg retrieval? ›The chance of infection can be reduced by giving antibiotics after egg collection if the needle punctures a damaged Fallopian tube, the bowel or an endometriotic cyst.
What should I eat and drink after egg retrieval? ›What should I eat after egg retrieval? Eat healthy foods such as chicken noodle soup, lean proteins, and fruit and vegetables after egg retrieval. Some women may experience mild nausea due to the anesthesia used during the procedure. If this happens to you, eat mild, bland foods until you feel better again.
How long does it take for uterus to heal after egg retrieval? ›Expect abdominal cramping and bloating for up to a week after your retrieval. The severity of symptoms can vary greatly between patients. It may take a couple weeks for your ovaries to return to normal size. If bloating and discomfort increases over the 7-10 days after your retrieval, let your nurse coordinator know.
Is walking OK after egg retrieval? ›It is crucial to avoid exercise during the week of egg retrieval. At this time, your ovaries are at their most enlarged, and the risk of developing ovarian torsion is higher. There is also a two-week waiting period after the embryo is transferred where it is recommended you rest, and keep activity to a minimum.
Why salt after egg retrieval? ›A way to minimize the effects of OHSS involves consuming sodium rich foods for a few days post retrieval to help draw the extra fluid out of your ovaries.
How many eggs is good after retrieval? ›As a rule of thumb, however, having about ten to 12 mature eggs after egg retrieval (not all eggs retrieved will be developed or mature enough to fertilize) is a good number of eggs and will give a woman a good chance of having at least one normal embryo, which gives a woman a 65 percent chance of pregnancy.
Can I sleep on my side after egg retrieval? ›In conclusion, choosing the right sleeping position after IVF treatment can potentially improve the chances of success. The recommended position is to sleep on your left side, as it helps increase blood flow to the uterus and may improve embryo implantation.
Why does a heating pad help after egg retrieval? ›Using a heating pad on your lower abdomen can help relieve some of the bloating or cramping you may be feeling. Additionally, if you're feeling gassy after egg retrieval, using a heating pad on your stomach can help relax the muscles in the gut and move gas through the intestines.
How long after egg retrieval do ovaries go back to normal? ›
The peak effect of your medications happens approximately 7-10 days after the procedure. After that time, the ovaries will slowly reduce in size and return to normal following your next menstrual cycle. The menstrual cycle will resume approximately 14 days after the egg retrieval.
Why is protein good after egg retrieval? ›We recommend “Egg White” due to high protein called albumin. This albumin helps retrieve fluid from the abdomen back to blood vessel. Eating egg white is suitable for the patient who has a lot of eggs by ovarian stimulation or egg retrieval process.
Can I eat banana after egg retrieval? ›Good Foods After IVF
Fresh fruits and vegetables are always great for you, but consider the following produce following IVF: Bananas. Beets. Berries.
Easy snacks for after the egg retrieval:
yogurt and granola 🥣 fruit and cheese 🥝🧀
Yes. You can resume your daily activities, such as going for walks, going to work, and doing the everyday chores at home after the IVF transfer.
How long are ovaries enlarged after egg retrieval? ›It is important to know that your ovaries are still enlarged immediately after the egg retrieval and that they remain enlarged for the next several weeks.
Can egg retrieval damage ovaries? ›Currently, in most cases, ovarian puncture is performed through the vaginal wall under transvaginal ultrasonography guidance. Complications of oocyte retrieval include ovarian hemorrhage, damage to organs such as the uterus, bladder, intestinal tract, and large blood vessels [10], and pelvic infection.
How big are ovaries after egg retrieval? ›The ovaries become quite large during an IVF cycle. Typically, the ovaries are around 2-3 cm or 1 inch in diameter. The size of the ovaries can increase to as large as 10 cm or 4-5 inches.
What is the best exercise after egg retrieval? ›Keep your cardio workouts to no more than 4 hours per week and fill in the gaps with lower-intensity options that still increase strength and flexibility, like yoga, water exercise, or tai chi.
Can I climb stairs after egg retrieval? ›As there is no need for complete bed rest after the embryo transfer, you can climb up and down the stairs.
Can you lift heavy things after egg retrieval? ›
Avoid High-Impact Workouts
Workouts like heavy weight lifting, running, interval training, or other high-impact activities redirect blood circulation to the muscles instead of to the uterus, ovaries, and eggs.
So it is a request that you do not restrict yourself when it comes to foods and eat whatever you want throughout the procedure. For example, if you want pizza or vada pao, you can eat as much as you want because any dietary improvement or reduction after IVF treatment does not increase the IVF success rate.
Does pineapple help thicken uterine lining? ›Why pineapple may aid fertility: It contains bromelain, an anti-inflammatory and anti-coagulation (blood thinning) agent that, per a 2012 study, can impact the immune system. The idea is that these anti-coagulation effects can improve blood flow,4 including to the uterus and the uterine lining.
What foods improve egg quality for IVF? ›Incorporate whole grains, lean meats, leafy greens, fresh vegetables, fruit and nuts in your diet to give your body what it needs to support your eggs. Avoid processed foods and meats when possible and limit your salt and sugar intake.
What are the signs of poor egg quality? ›- An abnormal number of chromosomes.
- Chromosomal disorders.
- Low FSH reserves.
- Low levels of estradiol.
- Low levels of anti-mullerian hormone (AMH)
- Low Follicle Count.
- Irregular period cycle and difficulty conceiving.
- Miscarriages.
Studies show that women in their 20s and 30s have the most success when getting pregnant through IVF and other reproductive technologies. According to the CDC, the average percentages of assisted reproductive technology (ART) cycles that lead to a live birth are: 31% in women younger than 35 years of age.
What is the success rate of 5 follicles IVF? ›For women with 1–4 eggs at retrieval it was 30.8% and for 5–9 eggs it was 36.2%. In women age 35–39 (n=543), optimal pregnancy rates (34.8%) were achieved with 5–9 eggs at retrieval. Less than 5 eggs significantly reduced the pregnancy rate (15.6%) whereas more than 10 eggs yielded pregnancy rates between 28 and 29%.
What foods to avoid during the two week wait? ›What foods should I avoid? Avoid foods not recommended during pregnancy such as undercooked meat, deli meats, unpasteurized dairy, undercooked eggs and raw fish.
Do I need a day off after egg retrieval? ›Egg retrieval: Everyone needs to take a day off for this procedure, which is done under a mild anesthetic. You shouldn't go back to work the same day, but after that the amount of time you take off for recovery is up to you.
How do I keep my uterus warm after IVF? ›- Avoid frozen drinks and ice-cold water.
- Avoid skin exposure to blasts of air conditioning and cold-weather winds.
- Choose cooked foods over raw foods.
Why do you need electrolytes after egg retrieval? ›
After your eggs are retrieved, your follicles will fill back up with follicular fluid. Drinking fluids that contain electrolytes (like Sobe Lifewater, Propel, Gatorade, etc.) a few days before and after your retrieval will help to minimize this bloating - just watch the sugar content.
Should I use heat or ice after egg retrieval? ›Make sure you get that heating pad nice and warm as soon as you get home! Resting a heating pad on your abdomen will help with any vaginal soreness and/or cramping from the egg retrieval process. In addition to the heating pack, pop some Tylenol to help with any mild discomfort.
What is your mood after egg retrieval? ›Mental and Emotional Aspect: You may feel some excitement mixed with anxiety and nervousness following your egg retrieval or embryo transfer procedure as you are waiting and hoping for good news. Your stress may be high, and troublesome thoughts could be racing through your mind.
What are the long term effects of egg retrieval? ›Long-term risks include effects on fertility, chronic disease, or cancers that develop years later as a result of the donation. Donors undergo similar treatment as IVF patients. Despite this, existing studies on the long-term risks of IVF treatment only include IVF patients, not egg donors.
How do I balance my hormones after IVF? ›Start with a Fertility Cleanse – Fertility Cleansing is a gentle way to help the body detoxify and begin to balance hormones after IVF, especially if you plan to try another. Fertility cleansing specifically works on the uterus and liver.
Does egg retrieval speed up menopause? ›Can IVF/fertility drugs cause early menopause? Absolutely not. There is a persistent rumor that undergoing IVF or other fertility treatments can bring on an early menopause.
What yogurt is good for IVF? ›Greek Yogurt
Easy to incorporate into your diet as part of breakfast, Greek yogurt is full of vitamin D and calcium – two nutrients that are important for fertility function. In the words of one study, calcium is 'essential for women's preconception health.
IVF success rates in women having low-carb diet were higher by almost 50 percent, as compared to those having a carb-rich diet. Whole milk, cottage cheese, and full-fat yogurt are good for your fertility as they contribute good fat to your diet.
What can I eat to reduce bloating after egg retrieval? ›- Drink plenty of fluids (water). The more water you drink, the better. ...
- Get your electrolytes. ...
- Consume lots of leafy greens and vegetables. ...
- Increase fiber intake, aiming for 25 to 50 grams per day. ...
- Take it easy but avoid complete bed rest.
Also, it is better to avoid having the following foods before and after egg retrieval surgery: Inflammatory foods include sugar, refined carbohydrates, fried foods, processed foods, and red meat.
Is pineapple good after egg retrieval? ›
When it comes to fertility, the thought is by eating pineapple core after an in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle or other fertility treatment, you'll have increased chances of an embryo implanting in your uterus. Unfortunately, there's no good scientific study that tells us bromelain can help with implantation either.
Can I eat salt after egg retrieval? ›While there is little clinical data to support it, women who are at high risk are advised to consume a high sodium and high protein diet after their oocyte retrieval along with generous hydration with electrolyte-rich fluids such as sports drinks.
Is pasta good for IVF? ›Avoid simple carbohydrates. They are quickly broken down by the body, causing sharp increases in glucose and insulin levels. Examples of simple carbohydrates include white bread, pasta, rice, sugar and potatoes, plus processed and prepackaged goods including baked goods, sweets and candy.
How can I recover from egg retrieval fast? ›- 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. ...
- Avoid alcohol or caffeine.
What should I eat after egg retrieval? Eat healthy foods such as chicken noodle soup, lean proteins, and fruit and vegetables after egg retrieval. Some women may experience mild nausea due to the anesthesia used during the procedure. If this happens to you, eat mild, bland foods until you feel better again.
Can I eat ice cream after egg retrieval? ›Avoid energetically cooling foods: Smoothies, ice cream, dairy products, ice-cold drinks, excessive amounts of raw fruits and vegetables.
How long do you have to rest after IVF egg retrieval? ›We recommend that you limit your activity on the day of the transfer and the following day. After two days you can resume normal activity. You may feel some after-effects of the procedure including a small amount of bloody discharge, mild cramping or bloating, and constipation. If pain continues, contact your doctor.
What is best to drink after egg retrieval? ›Drink lots of water and electrolytes
We've seen lots of infertility patients use gatorade for their electrolyte source but if you're looking for something with less sugar then you can opt for coconut water, Pedialyte, or electrolyte powders that you can mix into water yourself.
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.
Why drink Gatorade after egg retrieval? ›After your eggs are retrieved, your follicles will fill back up with follicular fluid. Drinking fluids that contain electrolytes (like Sobe Lifewater, Propel, Gatorade, etc.) a few days before and after your retrieval will help to minimize this bloating - just watch the sugar content.
Why is salt good after egg retrieval? ›
A way to minimize the effects of OHSS involves consuming sodium rich foods for a few days post retrieval to help draw the extra fluid out of your ovaries.
How do you get rid of gas after egg retrieval? ›- Drink plenty of fluids (water). The more water you drink, the better. ...
- Get your electrolytes. ...
- Consume lots of leafy greens and vegetables. ...
- Increase fiber intake, aiming for 25 to 50 grams per day. ...
- Take it easy but avoid complete bed rest.
Many women do return to work the next day, while others also rest the day following the retrieval. You may feel some pelvic heaviness or soreness and cramping. It is okay to take Tylenol, but you should avoid ibuprofen (i.e. Advil, Motrin). Often there is a small amount of spotting.