Support your recovery after egg retrieval | Progyny

Updated by the Progyny Editorial Team. Reviewed by the Progyny Clinical Team — January 2026.

If you’re considering or scheduled for an egg retrieval, it’s helpful to know what recovery may look like. We’ll go over what to expect and provide tips to support you, both physically and emotionally.

How will I feel?

Everyone experiences recovery differently. Many people start to feel more like themselves within a few days to a week, while others may have mild symptoms that last a little longer.

You may have:

• Bloating, cramping, or belly discomfort. The ovarian stimulation medications may cause your ovaries to swell, leading to bloating and tenderness. After the egg retrieval, hormone changes may also cause fluid to build up in your belly, leading to “water weight” and bloating which can last for a few days.
• Slight nausea or dizziness. Nausea or dizziness may be caused by anesthesia or enlarged ovaries. These symptoms typically improve within a day of the procedure.
• Constipation. Constipation is a common symptom due to anesthesia, higher progesterone levels after the egg retrieval, or changes to eating, drinking, and movement. You should be able to pee normally after the procedure.
• PMS-like symptoms. Hormonal changes during stimulation and recovery may cause mood swings, fatigue, or other symptoms that your period typically causes for you.
• Light bleeding or spotting. Light bleeding or spotting can happen after the procedure and may last for about 5 days.

Many people get their period about 5 to 12 days after the procedure, if they’re not having a fresh embryo transfer. But that timing can vary. Your period may be heavier or cause more cramping than usual. This may be related to a thickened uterine lining after ovarian stimulation, which is shed in the first period after the procedure.

Get ready ahead of time

Taking a few steps ahead of time will help make your recovery a little smoother.

1. Line up support. Clinics often ask that someone drives you home after the procedure since you’ll be receiving anesthesia. And having someone to help during the first day or two can make recovery easier.
2. Plan time off work. Your clinic may recommend that you take off work the day of your procedure. An additional day may be helpful, depending on how you’re feeling.
3. Prepare items for recovery. Your healthcare team may share recommendations based on your specific plan, but having a few items ready ahead of time can make recovery more comfortable:
   • Pain reliever such as acetaminophen (Tylenol®) — ask your team what they recommend
   • Heating pad for discomfort
   • Electrolyte drinks
   • Stool softeners, if recommended by your team
   • Loose, comfortable clothes
   • Sanitary pads
4. Plan something to look forward to. You may want to plan a special treat to look forward to after your procedure (a movie night, a book you’ve been meaning to read, a special meal or dessert — whatever brings comfort for you).

At-home recovery tips

These are general tips to help with recovery. Be sure to follow the specific instructions your clinic provided you.

Eating and drinking

While there aren’t restrictions for what you can eat or drink after an egg retrieval, you might find these approaches helpful as you recover:

• Have light, balanced meals to help ease bloating.
• Get plenty of fiber (fruits, vegetables, and whole grains) to support digestion and help with constipation.
• Hydrate with electrolytes to help fluid balance. After egg retrieval, hormone changes cause fluid to leak from the blood vessels into the belly. Electrolytes help bring this fluid back into the blood vessels, helping with bloating. In fact, your doctor may ask you to avoid plain water for the first day or two. Electrolyte drinks and broths are good options.

Movement and daily activities

Getting up and walking is good for your recovery. You may feel a bit unsteady after the anesthesia on the first day, and having someone nearby for support can be helpful. Plan to skip heavy exercise for about a week.

Your healthcare team will provide guidance on other aspects of your recovery, as well. For example, it’s often recommended to shower instead of taking baths after the procedure, since soaking may raise the risk of infection. Your healthcare team may also mention pelvic rest during recovery, which often includes avoiding things like sex or tampons.

Finally, allow yourself plenty of rest. Rely on your support person and listen to your body.

Signs to look out for

Your healthcare team will let you know when to call if you see any signs of a possible problem.

For example, call if you have signs of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, a rare complication where the ovaries swell in response to excess hormones from stimulation:

• Sudden abdominal swelling
• Rapid weight gain
• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
• Peeing less than usual
• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath

Also call if you have:

• Heavy bleeding
• Severe pain
• Fever over 101°F (follow the instructions your clinic gave you)

Finally, it’s always OK to call if anything just feels “off.”

Emotional self-care

You may feel a mix of emotions after your egg retrieval. Whatever you feel is valid, and remember that you are not alone.

Practice self-care that feels right for you during this time. Some ideas include:

• Deep breathing
• Journaling
• Taking short walks
• Listening to music

How much you share with others is always up to you. You may find it helps to reach out to someone you trust, whether that’s a partner, family member, or friend. Another option is to seek support from others who have been through a similar journey through organizations such as RESOLVE.

Your Progyny Care Advocate is always here for you as well. Reach out for help getting ready for your procedure, if you have questions as you recover, or if you could use a listening ear.

Disclaimer: The information provided by Progyny is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for medical guidance.