Symptoms after egg retrieval
On the day of egg retrieval, after the half-day surgery, I went home and continued with my normal life. Was it really post-surgery? I didn't feel any pain or discomfort, and I was able to keep my work appointments as usual. On the day of the egg retrieval, the recovery medication began, so I simply took the prescribed pills. It was the day of the egg retrieval, and I really didn't feel a thing.
However, from the next day onward, the abdominal pain and abdominal tightness gradually intensified, and for me, this recovery period was the toughest part of the egg freezing process.
The symptoms included abdominal cramps, abdominal pain, and constipation. This is known as OHSS (Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome) and is often observed in younger women, those with polycystic ovaries, and those with more than 10 mature follicles during ovulation induction. I believe I had a higher risk of OHSS due to the number of eggs retrieved.
Symptoms typically begin a few days after ovulation (egg retrieval) and almost disappear with the onset of menstruation. While my symptoms were mild, I spent most of my time resting at home due to the pain and abdominal tightness. I was fortunate to be able to work from home during this time. I took the prescribed medication, but two days after the egg retrieval, I visited the clinic because my abdomen was very tense, and I needed a refill for my prescription. I felt relieved when the doctor explained that the abdominal pain and tightness were due to ovarian swelling, a common occurrence after egg retrieval.
Coming to the clinic and understanding the cause of my pain felt much better than not knowing. The doctor mentioned an optional IV drip that could help relieve ovarian tension, so I received it and went home that day. I'm not sure if it was because of the IV or not, but after the drip, my abdominal tension and pain significantly improved, and I was glad I had gone to the hospital without hesitation. The following day, I was able to resume my normal activities, and as I completed all the prescribed medication, the upset stomach feeling disappeared.
By the way, the cost of these additional medications and tests was JPY¥25,840.
As a side note, there was one more challenging aspect after the egg retrieval, and that was constipation.
The swollen ovaries put pressure on the intestines, and despite usually having regular bowel movements, I experienced severe constipation after the egg retrieval, which was also painful. I felt heavy and lost my appetite because I couldn't properly eliminate waste, and it seemed like a matter of life and death.
I tried to drink plenty of water and consume fiber-rich foods as much as possible, and I managed to improve the situation. However, be cautious because constipation can persist for a few days after egg retrieval.
