Egg Retrieval Recovery: What to Expect

If you're considering donating your eggs or in the midst of your egg donation journey, it's important to know what to expect following your egg retrieval procedure. The recovery time after egg retrieval is generally quick, with most women returning to their usual routines by the next day. While the side effects of egg donation tend to be short-lived, it's not uncommon to experience some mild cramping — similar to menstrual cramps — and bloating following the procedure. 

7 Tips for Recovery After Your Egg Retrieval Recovery

At Donor Nexus, we aim to make your egg retrieval recovery experience as smooth and comfortable as possible. To help ensure you return to your daily life feeling your best, we’re here to share 7 tips for recovery after egg retrieval. Let’s jump in!

1. Prioritize Rest

After going through the egg donation process and the egg retrieval procedure, resting is crucial to your recovery. Aim to take it easy for the first 24-48 hours. This means avoiding strenuous activities and not lifting heavy objects. Use this time to cozy up at home, catch up on your favorite book or binge-watch a new Netflix series. 

2. Drink Electrolytes!

Although bloating is water retention, drinking more water with electrolytes helps flush it out. We advise egg donors to drink a ton of fluids throughout the entire egg donation process. Instead of drinking water by itself, add in some electrolyte mix like Nuun or Liquid IV. It may be a good idea to have some Gatorade and coconut water on hand, too. Drinking plenty of fluids is essential after egg retrieval to help alleviate bloating and prevent dehydration. 

3. Monitor Your Symptoms

While mild side effects are normal, contact your healthcare provider if you experience severe pain, fever, or heavy bleeding. These could be signs of complications such as infection or ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), a rare but serious condition. Don't be afraid to reach out to your Donor Nexus case manager or healthcare team with any questions or concerns — you have a whole team of people who are here to support you!

4. Eat Nourishing Foods

Nutrition is an important aspect of egg retrieval recovery. Foods rich in fiber can help manage bloating and constipation, which some women experience after the procedure. Including fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in your meals can aid in your digestive health. Additionally, focus on foods high in protein to support recovery.

5. Listen to Your Body

Every woman’s body reacts differently to egg retrieval. Pay attention to what your body is telling you. If you feel you need more time to recover before returning to work or other activities, give yourself permission to take it. 

6. Keep a Positive Mindset

It might sound cliché, but it’s absolutely true — your mental health and physical health are deeply connected! Remind yourself of the incredible impact your egg donation will have on others' lives. During your egg retrieval recovery, prioritize your mental well-being by doing things that make you happy, whether that's planning your next vacation, indulging in a self-care spa day, or whatever it may be that leaves you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated. 

7. Lean on Your Support System 

Lean on your support system during this time. Whether it's friends, family, or your Donor Nexus case manager, having someone to talk to can make a huge difference in your emotional wellbeing. Remember, you'll need to bring a companion with you to the clinic on the day of your egg retrieval procedure. This is required because you’ll undergo Monitored Anesthesia Care (MAC) and may feel a bit groggy afterward. Having someone you trust by your side not only ensures you get home safely but also provides comforting support.

Bonus Offering: Private Nurse to Accompany You Through Our Partnership with NurseRegistry

If you don’t have a companion available to accompany you to your egg retrieval procedure, we provide you with a private nurse through our exclusive partnership with NurseRegistry. This partnership reflects our commitment to providing comprehensive care and support to our donors every step of the way. Visit this blog post to learn more about NurseRegistry’s private nurse offering for egg donors.

We Are Committed to the Care of Our Egg Donors

In conclusion, prioritizing your health and well-being during the process is essential to ensure a smooth and comfortable recovery. We hope these tips help you set yourself up for a smooth and comfortable recovery experience! 

At Donor Nexus, we are deeply committed to the care and support of our egg donors throughout the entire donation process, from initial screening to post-retrieval recovery. Remember, taking care of yourself is just as important as the generous gift you are providing to others. 

Visit our blog for more insights and personal stories from egg donors. If you have any concerns or need specific advice about your recovery process, please consult with your healthcare provider. Here’s to a smooth recovery after egg retrieval!

Find Additional Resources in the Donor Nexus Blog:

• 5 Ways to Care for Your Body When Donating Eggs
• What to Eat After Egg Retrieval to Speed Up Recovery
• Pros and Cons of Donating Eggs (From Firsthand Experiences)
• Side Effects of Egg Donation: What to Expect
• Egg Donor Pay: Exploring Compensation Options (2024)

About Donor Nexus

Donor Nexus is a leading egg donation agency and egg bank in Newport Beach, California, working with egg donors and intended parents worldwide. 

Please note, while we aim to provide helpful tips, this blog does not substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with healthcare professionals for guidance tailored to your personal health needs.