Egg Collection - how will I feel after?

[SES84]

I’m hopefully going to be booked in for my egg collection on Monday (just waiting the phone call from the clinic) and I was wondering how to handle it in terms of work following Monday? Do you generally feel OK or would it be best to book time off? Any advise welcome. X

[Hidden]

I didn't feel too bad after my EC. I had some pain very similar to period pain but not as bad. I found it a bit painful low in my belly when I had a wee too but overall it wasn't as bad as I thought it might be & I was fine again the following day. I hope it all goes well for you! X

[Cinderella5]

I felt ok the day after egg collection however I do think this depends a lot on how many follciles are hit to look for eggs and I never had anymore than around 9 eggs retrieved and similar numbers of follicles. Drink lots of water, rest up when you get home and if in doubt then take a day off after.xx

[beauty1984]

I would book the day after off. With my first round of ivf I felt a bit groggy after egg collection but was fine within 24 hours. My second ivf for some reason egg collection was different. I was still feeling rough up until embryo transfer and was in a bit of pain and swollen. Everyone is different but I’d book at least one day off and see how you feel

Good luck x

[Lisaworthy1981]

I had every intention to go back to work the day after! But my boss ended up telling me to stay off! As the day went on and into the evening I was i a bit of pain!! Not really bad just uncomfortable!! I’d say booked the day off just in case!! Good luck xx

[Tugsgirl]

I felt a bit tender, a bit bruised and bloated but I was also borderline ohss so maybe that’s why. I’d take the day after just to be sure. Good luck for EC xx

[JenRoy]

Everyone is different but I would def take time off!! It’s a minor op and you need time to recover.

I’m still very sore and it’s been 3 days (EC was Tues morning). There’s no way I could be at work even now. I wouldn’t even be able to travel (tube & train). But my work is pretty physical and on my feet most of the time.

I had 15 follicles, 2 huge ones and 11 eggs collected. I felt tired, bloated/bunged up afterwards but was relatively comfortable. Weds & Thurs were quite bad with discomfort and constipation but I think I may have mild OHSS as was told to drink 3L’s water per day.

I’m still feeling under the weather and not able to walk around too much. But driving has been ok.

Good luck xx

[Buisquits]

Hi SES84

I was absolutely fine after EC, just bloated and tired. I stayed at home for 3 days. The first day back to work was really difficult. But from previous experience I know I didn’t react well to sedatives.

I think it’s good to have time off after the procedure - your ovaries will be massive! Don’t rush things xxx

[JenRoy]

Great article!! Thanks for posting. Really helpful I’ve had my EC but wish I’d read it beforehand. Very accurate x

[Princes14]

In terms of the anaesthetic it’s advisable to take 24 hours rest following the procedure. You’re still ‘under the influence’ of sedatives and aren’t fit to make important decisions or drive or operate machinery etc. That’s if your having a sedation of course.

I had my EC on a Wednesday, I was off Thursday and back to work Friday. Luckily my shifts fell as two days off together. See if you’re work place have a ‘fertility treatment leave’ policy, you’re entitled to 37.5 hrs per year if you work full time.

[Hidden]

This is a great question - I might be going in for egg collection on Wednesday and have asked my line manager if I can work from home on the Thursday. He was great and said to see how I feel even though he hasn't a clue what I'm doing- I just told him I was having a minor procedure! I am expecting to feel a bit out of sorts the next day but hopefully not. Good luck to you x

[SES84 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you, good luck to you too. Looks like we’re almost in sync with our treatment. I had to tell my line manager although it was a rather awkward conversation he’s been pretty good. X

[Hidden in reply to SES84]

2ww buddies 😁 So nerve wracking but exciting too. I look forward to your updates x

[Abbie40]

First time I had 29 collected and was v sore but the second time I had half the amount and didn’t feel bad at all. If you have been over stimulated make sure to eat extra protein to heal the ovaries, lots of water and rest. Good luck!!

[SES84]

Hi Mish, what a fantastic article!!!! Thank you so much for sharing this it’s really helped explain things in “real talk”. I’ve sent it to my other half as I must have explained what’s happening next to him a millions times but I think you explain it much better than I ever can. Sophie xx

[Squeak2]

Hi SES84, I’ve had one EC and I was glad to have a few days off afterwards! I felt rubbish the rest of the day of retrieval and slept a lot too. The next day I had bad period like cramps and the following day again I felt more like me although quite tired! No two ladies are quite alike so I would allow a few days at least!! Good luck xx

[jade1003]

Hi I was fine after my EC, slight cramps but was allowed home after a few hours. I was sick twice from the general anaesthetic and my tummy stayed bloated and a bit sore for a few days as my left ovary and bladder were inflamed from retrieval ... all fine after a few days so take a day of just to relax even if it’s just to sit home and watch tv with a hot water bottle xxx