If my body isnt able to dispel the liquid, this can result in a very dangerous condition called Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome which can result in the loss of an ovary, kidney failure, and in rare cases, death.. Women are often shocked at how much worse they feel after the retrieval than before. After egg retrieval, your hormones will go back to regulating on their own. It's very rare that a patient will need to be admitted to the hospital for around-the-clock monitoring (in fact, Ive only seen this twice in my 20+ years as a nurse). The morning of the retrieval I was calm and excited, and then immediately after the retrieval I was relaxed from the medication and anesthesia. Many women discuss the bloating the treatments caused, but do not report weight gain from IVF, specifically. Unfortunately, despite taking all manner of precautions, you may still end up with OHSS. Some amount of IVF weight gain is common; many women experience it. Disclaimer: Ill be explaining how we do things here at Illume Fertility. Or, you might freeze eggs to protect your future fertility and still have a natural pregnancy first. Its a teeny tiny window of time, and you cant miss it. Your post will be hidden and deleted by moderators. 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. Itll depend somewhat on the dosage as well as your bodys own natural response to it. Mild symptoms include: 2. Eating a well-balanced diet, keeping hydrated and resting are your best chances of reducing the bloat after egg retrieval. The Instagram star, who has 1.2 million followers, recently posted an image of her bloated stomach following the egg retrieval procedure. For example, consider the fact that numerous IVF appointments can make finding the time to workout a challenge. 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. I find that its easier to maintain this position on the couch. IVFauthority.com does not provide medical advice. A Group Owner is a member that has initiated the creation of a group to connect with other members to share their journey through the same pregnancy & baby stages. Which included my first retrieval when I overstimulated. Then, well combine those with the sperm in order to create embryos. I didn't have any bloating until after the transfer. Find advice, support and good company (and some stuff just for fun). During the procedure, your doctors will perform a transvaginal ultrasound. The medications themselves do not directly cause weight gain; it tends to be a change caused by other, more direct side effects. Yuk. The Biggest Side Effects of IVF Egg Retrieval - Illume Fertility This step is identical to what you've experienced during all those early morning monitoring appointments. OHSS stands for ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. So even if you are still bloated 5 days after egg retrieval take note it is normal. 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. Cryostorage is the standard way of freezing eggs. Hi, did you feel like you went back to your usual weight, and your stomach was no longer sticking out like you were 7 months pregnant? hyperstimulation. Whats more, the important stuff the cellular portion of the blood stays in the capillaries and does what it needs to do. If you are an egg donor, your eggs may be frozen or prepared to become embryos. Being uncomfortable from egg retrieval can last up to ten days post-procedure. Bloating and rapid weight gain are two common symptoms of that. In hindsight, if they had gone ahead with the transfer whilst she was in so much pain her pregnancy may not have been viable. If this happens to you, eat mild, bland foods until you feel better again. If this is you, sticking to the rule of burning more calories than you consume will get you back down a few pounds. ; You will be instructed to remain in an upright;position for 24 hours. Based on your physical characteristics and hormonal bloodwork, we will know if you are at risk for OHSS before you even get started. THIS was not normal bloating and nothing I couldve been prepared for. That said, if you just had to have your triple macchiato and need to rehydrate quickly, add electrolytes to your water. Basically, you want not too many but not too few follicles, which arent too big or too small. Monitor how often youre urinating, and what colour your urine is: dehydration is a sign of OHSS. 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. Are you at risk for OHSS? I was in some pain and discomfort all day because of it. Many of the treatments for OHSS can also be used for those who suffer from side effects but dont have full-blown OHSS: Please know that as our patient you are ALWAYS welcome to reach out to us with questions or concerns. While the swelling, heaviness, and blah feeling are definitely there before the retrieval, they're about 10 times worse after! Have more questions about IVF? Water will help to rehydrate you and bring some fluid back into the blood. Here are the main steps in the process of egg retrieval: Youve probably heard that female infants are already carrying the egg cells that will later be released upon reaching sexual maturity. It can take a while for it to go down after the procedure. Causes of IVF Failure and Complications, Embryo Transfer Process, Risks, Considerations and FAQ, Use ICSI with IVF Treatment Benefits, Process and Risks, Is Gestational Surrogacy Right For You? Dont go on a weight loss plan just to shed the few pounds you may gain during IVF! I hope it gets better soon! "You may have pain because egg retrieval is a surgery. Complications from OHSS can be severe. 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. 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. The signs would be: significant bloat of the abdomen, significant abdominal pain and weight gain more than 1kg per day for . Egg retrieval doesnt affect your future fertility. Should You Have Sex During IVF? Mild pain or discomfort in the abdomen. Helpful FAQ, PGD vs PGS testing with IVF: benefits, risks, procedures and costs, Egg Donation Age: How old do you have to be to donate eggs, Your Guide to Taking an IVF Pregnancy Test, 16 Top Encouraging and Supportive IVF Blogs and Forums, What Is Mini IVF? Above all, once you are feeling up to it, you should find a healthy way to celebrate this milestone, and look with hope into the future. 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. 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. Get one! With severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, you might have: Rapid weight gain more than 2.2 pounds (1 kilogram) in 24 hours Severe abdominal pain Severe, persistent nausea and vomiting Blood clots Decreased urination Shortness of breath Tight or enlarged abdomen When to see a doctor It is true though that it is common to have a slight degree of bloating, usually before the egg retrieval. Symptoms can peak up to eight days after retrieval. Some gain weight quickly and lose it right away. Severe bloating, 6lbs of weight gain, difficulty walking and lying down. Its her first round of IVF, but shed done two IUIs before. IVF Egg Retrieval: Process, Procedure, Recovery, Risks, and More I've heard lots of Gatorade and protein help, good luck! But I am OK with giving my body as many days as it needs to recover, its just not worth the risk.. You walk in the door and they already know who you are. Im used to bloating. Nothing about those specific steps directly causes weight gain. While approximately 15% of IVF patients experience mild hyperstimulation symptoms, such as bloating and menstrual-like cramping, most will never suffer from moderate or severe OHSS. Anti Bloating Green Juice. Contact your doctor if you experience a rapid, quick onset of weight gain during IVF. Known to affect one in every three women the symptoms of OHSS can be mild to extremely severe. The doctor will use a machine to apply gentle suction and drain the fluid from the follicle. The good news is that IVF weight gain is normal; its okay to experience it and to even feel a bit badly about it. After speaking with a nurse, we will generally bring you in to perform an ultrasound and bloodwork. The good news? So, many women donate eggs before having children of their own, later on. Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome - Symptoms and causes In its mild form, OHSS can be uncomfortable but resolves on its own over several days. Some symptoms include bloating, abdominal pain, nausea and weight gain. Your hydration will also benefit from eating Pho or cabbage soup at this time, so go ahead and be generous with the take-out! Yoyo diets or fad diets could actually impede your process and impact your hormone levels. Please note, our doctors rotate through the operating room covering all seven days of the week. Weight gain is also normal for some women and is usually caused by water retention or extra fluid in the ovaries. Especially after transfer, women should not confuse the normal side effects of implantation and early pregnancy with IVF treatment. To help you feel more confident, let's walk through an egg retrieval and talk about what to expect in terms of side effects. I think it just takes awhile for all the fluid to drain and for our ovaries to settle down. First, drink sufficient amounts of water. The protein is to support the recovery of your ovaries. Some discomfort such as bloating or cramps is common after egg retrieval. My energy levels have been so down in the dumps, she said. Look at the common symptoms you need to be aware of: No one knows how you will feel afterward but it is a good idea to be prepared for all outcomes. There are two main types of trigger injection: Read about the IVF process from start to finish if you want to learn more about why different drugs are used for different protocols. I had my egg retrieval 6 days ago and my stomach is still huge. Signs include rapid weight gain (over 2 pounds a day) and abdominal bloating, as well as extreme discomfort in your abdomen or extreme nausea/vomiting. Combine that with additional rest necessary after egg retrieval, or the fatigue the hormone treatments can cause. I would definitely try to speak to the nurse if that happened to me. I couldn't get air even though I was gasping. The hormone treatments that come with in vitro fertilization can cause weight gain. Pain After Egg Retrieval - Is It Common Experience? Lets back up. More than likely, any significant IVF weight gain was caused by one of them. The risk of severe hyperstimulation is currently very low. Most likely, the increase in estrogen creates an environment conducive to weight gain (bloating, fatigue, mood swings) but doesnt directly cause it. Caffeine has a diuretic effect, not helpful when trying to catch up on hydration. For me, all three times I had total bloat until my period, then back to normal. Concerning symptoms and ones where we would definitely want to hear from you are listed above under the OHSS symptoms. I'm also constipated. How long does the bloating last? Bloating eventually reduces with rest, cold compresses, or time. Does IVF itself cause weight gain, and if so, does everyone experience it? In online forums, women note anywhere from 3 pounds gained to 15 pounds gained prior to embryo transfer. The egg retrieval is an extremely safe and relatively simple procedure that averages only 15 minutes from start to finish. 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 doctors office or after-hours service for more care. I only have 4 follicles so I wasnt in major pain to begin with, but I definitely felt sort of full and swollen the last Hi ladies.Has anyone else had abdominal swelling post embryo transfer? But Victoria stresses that each woman will have a different experience with the procedure. Gentle walking is fine. Portland Acupuncture Studio Acupuncture and IVF How to Get Rid of Bloating After Egg Retrieval. This step is identical to what you experienced during those early morning monitoring appointments. hbspt.cta._relativeUrls=true;hbspt.cta.load(4000230, '822b7252-a39d-44cd-9772-b6c601644c53', {"useNewLoader":"true","region":"na1"}); HEADQUARTERS: 65 Broadway, 14th floor, New York, NY 10006. 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. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Victoria went on to explain that although it may not look that bad, it felt a lot worse than it looked., I couldnt sit or stand or even move for the first three days without wincing in pain or bracing myself, she said. My bloating didnt really start deflating until about 3 days after the procedure and I really didnt feel myself until about a week after. Some women may experience more severe bloating and abdominal pain, which could be a condition called ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). Imagine that now, instead of 12 employees being hired and squeezing into one officeall 45 candidates are hired! The first signs of ovarian cancer can be symptoms like abdominal bloating and pain. In Vitro Fertilization Procedures and Facts, Donor Egg IVF: Procedure, Cost, Application and Faqs, Why Does IVF Fail? So, do your best to live as healthy a life as possible so that your eggs will also be healthy. For most women, the egg retrieval procedure brings only mild pain after it is over. The GnRH agonist injection, which is usually used by people whove been on the short protocol. When talking with patients who are considering procedures that require egg retrieval, the most common concerns associated with egg retrieval are around the procedure itself and then the storage of eggs afterward. A womans medical history, current lifestyle, and general health all contribute to how much weight she may gain, if any. The bad news is that it can be difficult to watch your body go through changes you feel you cant control. While it's an important aspect of your fertility journey, the actual process of egg retrieval is routine and very safe. Pain in chest after egg retrieval - What to Expect In order to decrease the amount of fluid that is collecting in your belly, we will ask you to avoid drinking large quantities of water/clear fluids, and instead stick with thick liquids (think: milkshakes and V8 juice) that you cant see through. 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. ), Related: IVF Dos and Donts: Your Guide to Diet, Exercise, Sex & More. Usually, it isn't anything to worry about. Hi Ladies! Proudly supporting all families who want to grow. Heating pad Make sure you get that heating pad nice and warm as soon as you get home! We have provided you with some simple ways of how to overcome bloating after egg retrieval but if you have any concerns you should contact your doctor for advice. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Most patients feel woozy (slightly disoriented) from the anesthesia, and some will experience a sense of fullness or mild menstrual cramp-like discomfort. Even when its not very serious, some side effects include very fast weight gain and stomach pain. Allow some of your support group to do their job. However, its important to speak directly with your healthcare team to ensure they provide you with the best recommendations for your health profile. This is to keep the excess fluids in your abdomen and not allow them to travel into your upper torso. I had OHSS so I couldnt do a fresh transfer but felt SO much better after my period! Your body is going to feel much more bloated and will hold onto to any available water until you drink enough to re-balance. I'm still pretty bloated and uncomfortable but nowhere near as bad as yesterday. You are striving to get your body in tip-top condition for the next step on your IVF journey. For example, if Izzie weighs 140 lbs., they need to drink about 70 ounces of water. The. I never made it out of sweats after retrieval before I had to get maternity leggings. I found that lemon water. Luckily, it is rare for an OHSS case to catch us off guard. For this reason, we keep all our tanks on site where we can maintain quality control. OHSS can occur from taking too much fertility medication, so be sure to maintain the correct dosage and keep in touch with your doctor at all times. In her latest post, for example, she explained what happens following egg retrieval. Progesterone treatment usually stops once you are 9 weeks pregnant. his article will answer many of your questions about the preparation, procedure, and recovery from egg retrieval. Eat healthy foods such as chicken noodle soup, lean proteins, and fruit and vegetables after egg retrieval. The day after ET I looked and felt like you described. Youve made it through some of the hardest parts of the process. When suffering from OHSS some women report a significant weight gain. Create an account or log in to participate. Imagine there is a job opening at a company with ONE office available for ONE new employee to sit in. These weight gain stories generally focus on the weight gained during IVF treatment, so that they are not confused with general pregnancy weight gain. Also Check: Does Alka Seltzer Help With Bloating. Second, avoid or limit caffeine and soda, always, but especially right now. These side effects are all normal, and they typically disappear after a few days. These drinks have added electrolytes to give you an energy boost. 761 Main Avenue, Suite 200 Norwalk, CT 06851. When you're bloated, you feel fuller and possibly heavier, but you haven't actually gained much weight. I've only ever had minor bloating but I only produce a few eggs. Here are some frequently asked questions about egg retrieval to help you navigate this process. And yet, celebrating isnt always what your body feels like doing right after egg retrieval. Symptoms typically last a week and include mild abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Specifically, though, keep an eye out for: What is Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS)? The egg retrieval is an extremely safe and relatively simple procedure that averages 15 minutes from start to finish. 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! 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. You will then meet with our OR nurses who will go over your paperwork and start your IV. The concerns can feel endless. You will be monitored for approximately an hour, then sent home to rest for the remainder of the day. Imagine NOW, that instead of 12 employees being hired and squeezing into one office, that all 45 are hired! The celery, parsley and cucumber are all slightly diuretic (water removing) and fennel is the perfect anti-bloating ingredient. Are you ready to learn more about egg retrieval and how it fits into your fertility plans? When To Call Your Doctor About OHSS Symptoms, IVF Dos and Donts: Your Guide to Diet, Exercise, Sex & More, 11 Ways to Manage Stress During Fertility Treatment, [DOWNLOAD] Your Step-by-Step Guide to IVF (eBook), Why Do We Need So Many Eggs for IVF?