My ovaries are still achy and I'm just not myself. Whether youre considering or already started the process of egg donation, egg freezing, embryo cryopreservation, or in vitro fertilization (IVF), you might be left feeling unsure and overwhelmed by the idea of egg retrieval. One of the most commonly lamented side effects of in vitro fertilization and its associated medications is weight gain. For me, all three times I had total bloat until my period, then back to normal. This means that if you're considering freezing your eggs before you begin your injections, its beneficial to: There are also external factors that can affect the quality of your eggs, such as air quality. I love to share my knowledge & experiences with the community. No. The ovary stimulation protocol requires you to inject drugs into your system to ensure you have mature eggs upon retrieval. Specifically, though, keep an eye out for: These are all signs that your ovaries are swelling and putting pressure on your diaphragm. The discomfort from these procedures may leave you feeling as if your body is working against the IVF process but it is a way your body responds to the drugs, and success is not dependent on the amount of discomfort you feel. As disappointing as this may seem, delaying transfer ensures your body is in the best condition to incubate and grow another human successfully. ; Dont Miss: Is Being Bloated A Sign Of Pregnancy. Lets back up. ; Try to push yourself to get up and moving. Basically, you want not too many but not too few follicles, which arent too big or too small. Diarrhea. It is a reaction to the hormonal drugs that you need to take to stimulate the follicles. Avoid tub baths, hot tubs, Jacuzzis, swimming or immersing oneself in water from the time of the egg retrieval until after the pregnancy test. Brand names include Lupron and Synarel. Recommended Reading: How To Relieve Bloating Pain. hbspt.cta._relativeUrls=true;hbspt.cta.load(60131, '57f608cf-1891-4776-ac97-a0fb73e63384', {"useNewLoader":"true","region":"na1"}); While it's extremely rare, OHSS can happen. If this is you, sticking to the rule of burning more calories than you consume will get you back down a few pounds. In fact, your health during this time is vitally important, so dont jeopardize it. Eating an insoluble fiber will add weight to your bodys waste ensuring it will have enough power to travel through your gut and help prevent constipation. ; You will be instructed to remain in an upright;position for 24 hours. I couldn't get air even though I was gasping. In other words, youll be able to breathe on your own without the need for help from a machine. The 3 Crucial Stages of Egg Retrieval - Before, During, and After. To set you up for success post retrieval, here are the top 3 nutrition tips to remember when it comes to your diet. Proudly supporting all families who want to grow. You may be concentrating on living in the moment right now but it is important that you consider how you will feel after you have gone through the egg retrieval process. As you prepare for this big fertility milestone, let's walk through the biggest side effects of IVF egg retrieval - what to expect, what symptoms to look out for, and what comes next. You will then meet with our OR nurses who will go over paperwork and start your IV. Making us wait for all of these results is totally a form of torture. We respect everyones right to express their thoughts and opinions as long as they remain respectful of other community members, and meet What to Expects Terms of Use. Your body has to have time to recover before your all important transfer date! Note that once you confirm, this action cannot be undone. You will then meet with our OR nurses who will go over your paperwork and start your IV. Beyond weight gain and stomach pain, other symptoms include vomiting and nausea. In fact, rapid weight gain can indicate/suggest OHSS, so women who experience it should contact their fertility clinic to rule it out. Finally, if you have followed the above advice for relieving bloating after egg retrieval but are starting to experience increased pelvic pain, sudden weight gain, pain with urination, shortness of breath, or vomiting, call your fertility doctor's office or after-hours service for more care. hbspt.cta._relativeUrls=true;hbspt.cta.load(60131, 'f7625de8-8e53-4ab8-a721-9881479b81c1', {"useNewLoader":"true","region":"na1"}); Will my doctor perform my egg retrieval? Pregnancy can in fact make your symptoms worsen and last longer so the best option would be for your fertilized embryos to be frozen and delay the transfer date. The pain went away within a couple days though. When your ovaries respond in this way they can leak fluids into the abdomen leaving you with lower and upper abdominal bloating after egg retrieval, as you can imagine this can leave you feeling super uncomfortable and delay the transfer process. My energy levels have been so down in the dumps, she said. We will ask that you regularly update us and notify us immediately if your symptoms change. Privacy Policy. I gained three pounds the first night, dropped a pound and I'm holding steady there. When will your Transfer be? If youre going on to continue IVF treatment, you may need to continue taking hormones to prepare your uterus for implantation. I was in some pain and discomfort all day because of it. Yoga and exercise remain a couple of the top stress management techniques. Every womans experience with IVF weight gain is different. Youve got enough to stress about right now, I like to make this part as simple as possible! ; Smashed Baked Potato Nourish Bowl Vegan + Gluten Free. I am a personal trainer so I eat really healthy on a regular basis, and when I have a treat meal, I do get really bloated, she said. Will my retrieval hurt? Check out the following articles to feel more empowered and prepared for what lies ahead. The next step in your IVF journey will need your body to be in perfect health condition as you move closer to your transfer date. Depending on the severity of your symptoms may warrant medication from your doctor to help with vomiting and nausea symptoms. Both modalities can also benefit your digestion and help to relieve pelvic or abdominal pain you might want support for all of the above post-egg retrieval. Congratulations, and good luck on your embryo transfer if that's what's next for you! Since your body is going to be under stress already, focus on adding the rainbow from fruits and veggies to your diet as each color of produce contains different antioxidants that can lower your inflammatory response! hbspt.cta._relativeUrls=true;hbspt.cta.load(4000230, '4b596cea-6e88-47d4-86ee-d169533f4cee', {"useNewLoader":"true","region":"na1"}); Yes. Imagine there is a job opening at a company with ONE office available for ONE new employee to sit in. She started having symptoms of ovarian cancer in 2018 and went to the emergency room several times for severe abdominal pain. When it comes to how to treat it theres both good and bad news. Although cozy (and maybe with a small amount of discomfort), we are able to fit all 12 employees in to the one office, and all works out well. Lovely. She underwent egg retrieval to preserve the eggs from her less-impacted ovary. The cramping and bloating usually lasts for 7-10 days, after which your ovaries should return to their normal size. Here are some frequently asked questions about egg retrieval to help you navigate this process. If you experience vomiting or other severe symptoms, seek out medical help or get in touch with your doctor. Ask Nurse Monica. Group Leaders arent expected to spend any additional time in the community, and are not held to a set schedule. The more severe symptoms can zap your body. We strive to provide you with a high quality community experience. For this reason, we keep all our tanks on site where we can maintain quality control. This article will answer many of your questions about the preparation, procedure, and recovery from egg retrieval. Anytime I move a inch I wake up, even my neck and shoulders . Imagine that now, instead of 12 employees being hired and squeezing into one officeall 45 candidates are hired! I personally went from retrieval bloat to pregnancy bloat and showing. These weight gain stories generally focus on the weight gained during IVF treatment, so that they are not confused with general pregnancy weight gain. What Are My Chances of Success with Fertility Treatment? Note that the in vitro fertilization process itself doesnt cause weight gain. 2023 Kofinas Fertility Group. Ask your doctor about taking a prenatal vitamin. Dont Miss: Will Probiotics Help My Baby Poop. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Personally I felt extremely bloated until after I got my period following retrieval. You wont be able to feel or remember anything that happens during the procedure. Here are some common, mild symptoms you may experience after an egg retrieval: Patients often have questions about a very rare condition that can develop during the egg retrieval phase of IVF called Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome, or OHSS for short. You will be asked to check in to our Norwalk office approximately one hour before your scheduled procedure time. After the procedure, you may experience moderate to severe bloating and pain after the egg retrieval process leaving you searching for an answer to how to make bloating go away after egg retrieval. Depending on your experience you could be at risk from Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome or mere gas problems. The hCG trigger injection, which is usually used by people whove been on the long protocol. I just wanted to lay down! If you have at least ten follicles that are a decent size , chances are your doctor will be happy: thats enough follicles for there to be a good chance of at least one high-quality egg;inside, but not SO many that youre at risk of severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome . Bloating should be temporary but some women experience slight weight gain due to water retention from high levels of estrogen. Please note, our doctors rotate through the operating room covering all seven days of the week. . Imagine NOW, that instead of 12 employees being hired and squeezing into one office, that all 45 are hired! Keep an eye on weight gain. Which included my first retrieval when I overstimulated. We can squeeze all 45 in the door, but they are scrunched in tight, it's uncomfortable, and they are literally pouring out into the hallway. Do note that in some rare cases, these injections can cause women to develop ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. If youre pregnant and you have late onset OHSS, your symptoms too will be self-limited; its just that itll take a lot longer because it takes longer for the hCG to leave your system. So how to relieve bloating after egg retrieval, here are some ways you can help yourself. While the swelling, heaviness, and blah feeling are definitely there before the retrieval, they're about 10 times worse after! Most likely, the increase in estrogen creates an environment conducive to weight gain (bloating, fatigue, mood swings) but doesnt directly cause it. Hi Ladies! The good news is that with early diagnosis, and careful monitoring, this condition will resolve on its own within 7-10 days. It occurs when the ovaries have an abnormally robust response to the fertility medications that we prescribe. IVFauthority.com does not provide medical advice. Now there are 12 new employees that we need to find space for in one office. Once asleep, the fertility doctor will place an ultrasound probe vaginally and look at your follicles on the monitor. I didnt lose my bloat until after I got my period, then I finally felt normal again! From the never-ending blood draws to the self-injections, you are doing your best, and your entire fertility team is so proud of you. Were here to guide you every step of the way! After the trigger injection, youll have no reason to inject any more of the stuff, so youll have no more hormone surges and the OHSS will clear up. I've been drinking plenty of water and eating soup all the things they recommend you to do but still nothing. Women are often shocked at how much worse they feel after the retrieval than before. Based on your physical characteristics and hormonal bloodwork, we will know if you are at risk for OHSS before you even get started. The worst part is sleeping! Its her first round of IVF, but shed done two IUIs before. Other possible symptoms of this syndrome . You may have experienced increased pressure at your lower abdomen during the last week or two of the entire process as your body has been working overtime to produce as many follicles as possible for your scheduled retrieval. Will I have a good amount of eggs? Picky is a word that comes to mind. Preparation for post-egg retrieval is the best thing you can set your mind to. I was exactly the same. Your body is going to feel much more bloated and will hold onto to any available water until you drink enough to re-balance. [VIDEO]. This is what we expect of your ovary during any given month; one egg follicle growing to full maturity in one ovary. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Options for Losing Weight or Maintaining Weight During IVF, The Complete Guide to IVF Twins: Odds,Risks and Signs, Is Sea Moss Beneficial for Infertility? These medications will help your body produce multiple eggs and help them mature. I notified my nurse because I was worried about OHSS even though I didn't have that many follicles, and she said it was all normal. Enjoy the support. Yuk. Everything you need to know to get started. It is normal to gain some weight and normal not to, also. I've heard lots of Gatorade and protein help, good luck! Bloating after retrieval. Fertility specialists also conclude that follicle stimulating hormones (FSH) cause some bloating and weight gain. Some women have no pain and can go to work the next day with minimal discomfort, and other women are bedridden for a few days., Read Also: How Much Bone Broth To Drink For Leaky Gut. Aim to include foods with insoluble fiber like whole grains, broccoli, cabbage, nuts, and seeds. Please whitelist our site to get all the best deals and offers from our partners. So, remain sitting up for an entire day. Most women are able to return to work the day after the procedure without any complications. Some women may experience mild nausea due to the anesthesia used during the procedure. So how to make bloating go away after egg retrieval it is imperative that you take care of number one! Avoid alcohol or caffeine. A needle is then guided into the vagina, seeking the ovary. I wanted them to understand the boundary but also know they are appreciated. What if, however, after interviewing 45 candidates, human resources decides to hire 12 employees instead of just the one! I'll be on the lookout for your update! I am a stomach sleeper so this brought me a lot of irritable discomfort. Take paracetamol or codeine to manage the pain . For this reason, your doctor will give you medications, either orally or through injections. Your hydration will also benefit from eating Pho or cabbage soup at this time, so go ahead and be generous with the take-out! For example, consider the fact that numerous IVF appointments can make finding the time to workout a challenge. The doctor will use a machine to apply gentle suction and drain the fluid from the follicle. This educational content is not medical or diagnostic advice. FX. When is your next appointment? Portland Acupuncture Studio Acupuncture and IVF How to Get Rid of Bloating After Egg Retrieval. Fennel is an amazing anti bloat vegetable whilst foods like spinach, lime, and apple is natural anti-inflammatories that are great for reducing excess swelling. What to Expect for Your Fertility After Endometriosis Surgery (Laparoscopy), Eat whole foods with plenty of fruits and vegetables. How long does the bloating last? You shouldnt remain sedentary for days on end. After speaking with a nurse, we will generally bring you in to perform an ultrasound and bloodwork and discuss next steps. We will also advise that you freeze your embryos and wait for your ovaries to recover before you attempt an embryo transfer. Youve made it through some of the hardest parts of the process. In a natural cycle, these capillaries invade the cells of your leftover ovarian follicle , in order;to deliver;cholesterol to those cells. But keep in mind that fluid retention is temporary. You will be asked to check in to our Norwalk office approximately one hour before your scheduled procedure time. The day after ET I looked and felt like you described. OHSS happens when the ovaries become so swollen. I think if you gain more than 3 lbs in 24 hrs you're supposed to call your nurse, but someone else may correct me! Make sure that someone else can drive you home, as driving within 24 hours of surgery isnt recommended. This Syndrome is otherwise abbreviated asOHSS. Symptoms typically last a week and include mild abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. After the procedure is over, the eggs will be immediately stored as appropriate for your needs. The trigger injection kickstarts this process, and youll need to administer it at a very;specific time usually 36 hours before your appointment for egg retrieval. I would definitely try to speak to the nurse if that happened to me. Caffeine has a diuretic effect, not helpful when trying to catch up on hydration. However, dont be surprised if after your egg retrieval you dont feel totally back to normal until your first period, which generally occurs 10 days after retrieval. We believe that transparency is key when explaining any of our processes, so let's dive into some of the most common topics we talk through with our patients: The egg retrieval procedure takes 10-20 minutes under twilight general anesthesia. When you're ready to get a more customized understanding of your unique situation and family planning goals, request an appointment with our team of experts. Progesterone treatment usually stops once you are 9 weeks pregnant. With OHSS, patients experience swollen, painful ovaries as a result of the stimulation process. Are you ready to learn more about egg retrieval and how it fits into your fertility plans? Specifically, though, keep an eye out for vomiting, shortness of breath, >1lb weight gain in 24 hours, and decreased urine output. I find that its easier to maintain this position on the couch. However, this is usually a sign of water retention and ovarian hyperstimulation. Pain after egg retrieval is a common side effect that patients may experience after the procedure. haha I guess it's a small price to pay. Kirsten is a Nurse Practitioner who joined the Illume Fertility team in 2014 after working in women's health in the USA, United Kingdom and other countries. Read below for information about what causes the weight gain and what to do about it. Its because ovulation will take place approximately 36 hours after the trigger injection gets into your system . Which included my first retrieval when I overstimulated. Youll also meet the anesthesiologist and the reproductive endocrinologist who will be performing your procedure that day. You could also stock up on isotonic drinks. Fizzy and carbonated drinks add to the bubbles in your tummy and can cause gas. I just didnt want that pressure on myself during recovery. Sometimes these drugs and hormones can work too well leaving your ovaries in overdrive. Egg retrieval is a massive step toward becoming a mom. This could be caused by hormone treatments, or it could be situational. On the other hand, some women experience actual weight gain not bloating. This step is identical to what you've experienced during all those early morning monitoring appointments.