Typical Timeline for Your Period
Generally, a period can be expected to arrive within approximately 5 to 14 days following the egg retrieval. The exact timing can vary slightly from person to person, but this range encompasses the typical window for menstruation to begin. This return of menstruation is triggered by the natural decline in hormone levels after the procedure.
The medications used during ovarian stimulation and for the trigger shot begin to wear off following the retrieval. As these medications clear from the body, and the fluid-filled follicles are removed, there is a significant drop in both estrogen and progesterone levels. This hormonal shift signals the uterine lining to shed, resulting in a menstrual period.
Hormonal Changes Guiding Your Cycle
Egg retrieval is preceded by controlled ovarian stimulation, where fertility medications encourage multiple follicles to mature. These medications often include gonadotropins, such as follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), which stimulate ovarian activity and increase estrogen production. As the follicles grow, estrogen levels rise significantly beyond what is typical in a natural cycle.
Before the egg retrieval, a “trigger shot” is administered, which typically contains human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) or a GnRH agonist. This shot prompts the final maturation of the eggs. Once the eggs are retrieved, the body’s high estrogen levels begin to drop rapidly. This decline in estrogen, coupled with a subsequent drop in progesterone levels, signals the uterus that a pregnancy has not occurred, leading to the shedding of the uterine lining.
What to Expect from Your Post-Retrieval Period
The first menstrual period after an egg retrieval can often differ from a person’s usual period. Individuals may notice variations in flow, which can range from lighter than usual to heavier, sometimes with more clots. The duration of this period might also be different, potentially being shorter or longer than what is typically experienced.
These changes are largely attributed to the intense hormonal stimulation the body underwent during the IVF cycle. The ovaries, having been stimulated to produce multiple follicles, may also contribute to altered cramping sensations. Some individuals report more significant cramping or discomfort, while others might experience less, along with other symptoms like breast tenderness or bloating. These distinctions are generally considered a normal response to the hormonal fluctuations and the procedure itself.
Variations and When to Contact Your Clinic
While most individuals experience their period within the typical timeframe after egg retrieval, some variations can occur. A delayed period might happen due to individual hormonal responses, residual effects of the fertility medications, or in rare cases, due to an early pregnancy if a fresh embryo transfer was performed. The body’s recovery from the intense stimulation can also influence the exact timing.
It is important to contact your fertility clinic or healthcare provider if your period does not arrive within an expected extended timeframe, such as two to three weeks after the retrieval. You should also seek medical advice if you experience exceptionally heavy bleeding that soaks through more than one pad per hour for several hours, severe abdominal pain that is not relieved by over-the-counter pain medication, or signs of infection such as fever or foul-smelling discharge. These symptoms could indicate a complication that requires prompt medical attention.