Egg retrieval is a minimally invasive surgical procedure involving collecting mature eggs from the ovaries using a fine needle, guided by ultrasound. It is typically performed under intravenous sedation or light general anesthesia. The recovery experience is highly individual, but the procedure is generally well-tolerated, with most people experiencing a relatively short recovery.
The Immediate Post-Procedure Phase
Immediately following the procedure, patients are moved to a recovery area for initial monitoring as the sedation wears off. Nursing staff closely monitors vital signs, including blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen saturation, to ensure a stable transition from anesthesia. It is common to feel grogginess, disorientation, or mild nausea during this time.
Initial physical sensations often involve mild to moderate cramping in the lower abdomen, similar to strong menstrual cramps. This discomfort is due to the needle aspiration of the follicles and the temporary enlargement of the ovaries from stimulation medications. Patients typically remain in recovery for about one hour until they are stable for discharge. Due to the sedation, a responsible adult must drive the patient home, and the patient should not be left alone for the remainder of the day.
Expected Physical Recovery Timeline
The primary recovery occurs within the first 72 hours, with symptoms often peaking on the day following the procedure. Mild to moderate abdominal cramping is the most consistent symptom, resulting from the ovaries’ temporary swelling and the minor trauma of the aspiration process. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen, are usually sufficient to manage this discomfort during the initial few days.
Abdominal bloating and a feeling of fullness are expected, persisting for several days due to the enlarged ovaries and residual hormonal stimulation effects. This sensation often resolves as the ovaries gradually decrease in size, typically over one to two weeks, or once the next menstrual period begins. Light vaginal spotting or minimal bleeding is common, generally stopping within 24 to 48 hours. By day three, most individuals notice a significant reduction in cramping, signaling the end of the acute recovery phase.
Activity Restrictions and Return to Normal Life
While acute symptoms subside quickly, certain activity restrictions are necessary to prevent complications while the ovaries remain enlarged. Light, desk-based work or activities that do not require physical exertion can often be resumed as early as the day after the retrieval.
Strenuous exercise, such as running, high-impact aerobics, or heavy weightlifting, must be avoided for at least one to two weeks post-retrieval. This restriction is crucial because the enlarged ovaries are at an increased risk of ovarian torsion, a condition where the ovary twists on its supporting ligaments. Activities requiring pelvic rest should also be avoided for the advised period to minimize the risk of infection:
- Sexual intercourse.
- The use of tampons.
- Taking baths.
- Swimming.
Resuming normal, full-intensity activity should only occur once a healthcare provider confirms that the ovaries have returned to their pre-stimulation size.
Factors That Prolong Recovery
Recovery can be prolonged if complications arise, most notably Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS). OHSS is a response to fertility medications that causes the ovaries to swell excessively and leak fluid into the abdominal cavity. Mild OHSS symptoms, such as increased bloating, mild abdominal discomfort, and nausea, are common and can be managed at home, generally resolving within a week.
Severe OHSS requires medical attention and will extend the recovery period, sometimes necessitating hospitalization for monitoring and fluid management. Signs of severe OHSS include rapid weight gain of more than two pounds in 24 hours, persistent or severe abdominal pain, excessive vomiting, decreased urination, or shortness of breath.
Other rare complications that prolong recovery include signs of infection, such as a fever above 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit, or internal bleeding, indicated by heavy vaginal bleeding that soaks more than one pad per hour. These symptoms require immediate communication with the medical team.