How to Take Care of Yourself Between Egg Retrieval and Transfer

How to take care of yourself after the egg retrieval

So you’ve done your research, gone through exams, pursued IVF, had multiple injections, and completed your egg retrieval. Now after all of that hard work, it’s time to continue on your journey and wait. You’ve already done so much, so it’s important to remember that you don’t have to push yourself. During this time, it is important to take care of yourself and remember all the hard work you’ve done so far!

Mental Health

Egg retrieval is a strenuous process physically and emotionally. After your egg retrieval or embryo transfer, anxiety and excitement are normal as you wait for the news. Mentally, you may be tempted to worry with racing thoughts but it is important that you think positively and focus on staying relaxed.

Breathing – An easy first step in helping maintain calm is to regulate your breathing. Oftentimes when anxious, our breathing shortens. Focus on taking deep breaths. Fully engage yourself in this and clear your mind.

Sharing – During this time, it is natural for you to want to share with a lot of people. While exciting, this could very easily add unnecessary stress. Furthermore, consider that sometimes the news you get back may not be what you were anticipating.  Repeating this news to a large number of people may well add to your emotional stress.

Support – Rather than sharing with a large number of people, find either a single trusted source to discuss your situation with or a small group of supportive and loving people that may have also gone through this experience. This will help take the weight off your shoulders and the feeling of doing this on your own.

Physical Health

After the egg retrieval, you won’t be able to drive home because you will have received anesthetic medications, so someone will need to be there to take you. You may experience soreness, cramping, and some pelvic pain. You may also experience spotting but it will be less than a normal menstrual period. Taking care of your body during this time is important.

• Use a heating pad to treat any discomfort
• Rest often
• Talk to your doctor about pain medication
• Take showers rather than baths
• Avoid other medication other than what you have discussed with your doctor
• Do not use douches, vaginal creams, or lubricant

Keep In Touch With Your Fertility Physician

Your fertility physician wants to be there to support you! Please contact their office whenever you have a question. We support all fertility services in Chattanooga and Knoxville, along with patients across Tennessee and Georgia. Please contact us if you have any fertility questions and we’d love to help you out.