Egg Retrieval Recovery: What to Expect

Let’s face it: Completing your egg retrieval deserves a special trophy on its own 🏆 

All those fertility medications, checkups, and ultrasounds, all leading up to this moment when they finally take your mature eggs and give them their space to hibernate. 

While the egg retrieval process is a short procedure of about 15-30 minutes where you’ll be fast asleep (thanks to anaesthesia 😴),  just like any other medical procedure, it comes with its baggage of minor discomfort and side effects.

Some women could be going back to work in a couple of days, and some might have cramping for a week. For some, it’s just the calm before the storm of fatigue and bloating arrives. 

Ultimately, the symptoms differ for all. But regardless of it all, we at Amilis decided to curate a checklist of all the things you need to look out for during your recovery post-egg freezing.

Because your journey, your symptoms (no matter how small, matter!), and we’re here with the right tips to manage it.

6 Essential Tips for Recovery After Egg Retrieval

1. Prioritise rest and relaxation

Going through an egg-freezing cycle isn’t an easy task! Your body has been through a lot over the past few weeks. 

Prioritise rest for at least 24-48 hours after the retrieval. And by that, we mean: taking time to relax, catch up on some much-needed sleep, Netflix and binge, and avoid strenuous activities. Let your body focus on healing and recovery.

2. Hydration is key

Drink plenty of fluids, especially water and electrolyte-rich beverages, to help your body replenish fluids lost during the procedure and prevent dehydration. Aim for 8-10 glasses of water throughout the day.

3. Fighting constipation

Now, here’s the thing that isn’t talked about much 🫣 Certain medications used during the retrieval process and reduced physical activity recommended during the stimulation stage can lead to constipation. Here are some tips to combat it:

• Increase your fibre intake: Focus on fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to promote bowel regularity.
• Stay hydrated: As mentioned earlier, adequate water intake keeps things moving smoothly.
• Consider a gentle stool softener: Constipation still giving you a hard time? Don’t hesitate to reach out to your doctor or clinic if constipation persists.

4. Low-Intensity workouts.

While vigorous exercise is best avoided for a week or two at the most, gentle movement can be beneficial. 

Opt for light walks, yoga, low low-impact workouts for stretching to promote circulation and aid recovery. At this stage, it’s best to listen to your body and avoid any activity that causes pain.

5. Heating Pads and Pain Relief

Mild cramping and discomfort are quite common after egg retrieval. You can apply a heating pad to your lower abdomen for 15-20 minutes at a time to ease discomfort. Your doctor might also prescribe pain medication - but it’s best to use it as directed.

6. Nourish Your Body with Healthy Foods

What you eat plays a huge role in how you heal. Eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein will give your body the essential nutrients it needs to heal. 

Including adequate amounts of fiber in your diet during and after your egg freezing cycle can help with recovery as well.

Avoid processed foods, excessive sugar, and excess caffeine, which might contribute to bloating.

What else to expect post-retrieval 

Everyone’s recovery timeline looks different — and that’s totally okay. You may experience some of the symptoms mentioned above. If not, here are a few things that might pop up:

• Frequent urination: Some feel increased pressure or a persistent need to pee after the procedure. It usually eases up with time. If not, it’s recommended to reach out to your doctor and update them.
• Delayed or unusual periods: If you were primed with birth control or progesterone, your cycle may be irregular. Some get a light period a week after the trigger shot, followed by a heavier one two weeks later. PCOS patients might notice more intense bleeding.
• Cramps and bloating for days (or even weeks): Full recovery can take up to 10 days — or sometimes a bit longer, too. Keep your clinic in the loop if anything feels off.‍
• Temporary weight gain: This is usually fluid-related and resolves with hydration, whole foods, and light activity.

Common FAQs About Egg Retrieval Recovery, Answered by Experts

How can I speed up recovery after egg retrieval?

Rest, hydration and healthy food. Along with the recovery tips mentioned above, including low-intensity exercises, increasing fibre intake and using heating pads to combat any cramps and discomfort can help speed up the recovery process. 

How many days should I rest after egg retrieval?

Plan on resting for at least 24-48 hours after the procedure. Gradually increase your activity level as you feel comfortable, but avoid strenuous activities for at least a week.

What should you eat after egg retrieval?

Focus on a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. On the fluid end, stay hydrated with water and electrolyte-rich beverages. Avoid processed foods, sugary beverages, and caffeine.

What not to eat after egg retrieval?

It’s totally normal to feel extra hungry and a bit drained after your egg retrieval — your body’s just been through a lot. But try not to load up on too many simple carbs (we know, tempting!). A carb-heavy meal can actually make post-procedure bloating worse. Instead, focus on meals that are rich in lean protein, fiber, and electrolytes to support recovery, balance fluids, and ease digestion.

How long does it take to get your period after egg retrieval?

Most people get what’s called a withdrawal bleed about 5–10 days after egg retrieval — this is your body’s way of resetting hormonally after all the medications. Your next "real" period may arrive a bit later than usual, and it might take one or two cycles for things to return to your normal cycle length.

How to make bloating go away after egg retrieval?

Unfortunately, bloating is a common post-retrieval symptom. While we know how discomforting it can get, some ways to alleviate it include drinking plenty of water, avoiding gassy foods, and light exercise. If it persists for several days, it’s best to consult your healthcare provider. 

Can I travel after egg retrieval?

“Generally, we don’t recommend travelling long distances, by road or air, right after the procedure,” says Navya Muralidhar. This is to ensure that you take adequate rest after the procedure. 

Also, this is keeping in mind that everyone’s recovery journey is different. If you happen to show increased symptoms, develop a fever, or mild OHSS-you’d need more downtime to recover and avoid any medical emergency.

Most also have general discomfort such as mild pain, constipation and bloating for 2-5 days. These recovery symptoms could be hiccups in your trip or travel schedule. For shorter distances, such as 1-3 hours, travel shouldn’t be an issue. 

Can I have sex after egg retrieval?

It’s best to resume sexual activity a week or two after egg retrieval. This is to ensure that you get enough pelvic rest after the retrieval procedure. This also helps your body heal and prevent any infection.

Amilis: Your guide to the egg freezing process from start to end

Typically, post-egg retrieval is when the doctor appointments, the nurse’s questions and the injections all come to a stop 🛑 

And the next stage, where you rest, recover and get back to normal routine starts. 

If you happen to face the symptoms that come with the “after” part of egg retrieval, know that this is the time when tips and tricks for recovery come handy.

And if you sense that you are still feeling unwell, reach out to your clinic to rule out any unwanted side effects or serious conditions. 

At Amilis, our team is dedicated to simplify the egg-freezing process for you from start to end. Be it cutting down costs or finding the best egg-freezing clinic in the UK, we’re a one-stop resource hub for it all.

And at every stage of your egg-freezing cycle, we’re there with a support team, educational resources and one call away for any questions that you may have.

We wish you a safe and speedy recovery process. You’ve got this ❤️