Egg Retrieval Process & Recovery: What To Expect & How To Prepare

If you are considering giving the incredible gift of egg donation to help others grow their family, you can trust that it is one of the most rewarding and generous connections you can create. Here at Everie, we encourage open donations through our matching process to ensure donors as well as recipient parents have a say in whom they match with. 

As an egg donor, you probably have questions about what to expect during egg donation: What is egg retrieval recovery like? Does egg donation scar? Is egg retrieval painful? Let’s look at all of these and more. In short, you will prepare your body for the egg retrieval process, undergo a minimally invasive outpatient procedure, and continue to nourish and care for your body afterward. And we will be there every step of the way!

Egg Retrieval Preparation

Once you and your team of medical professionals decide it is time for you to begin, you will start at-home, self-administered injections on the second day of your next menstrual cycle. These ovarian stimulation injections will stimulate your ovaries to produce and release multiple mature eggs.

You will do these for about 10 to 13 days, all while being closely monitored. During this roughly 2-week period, you will go into the physician’s office about 5 to 6 times for monitoring.

Approximately 36 hours before the egg retrieval procedure, you will receive a final “trigger shot” to prompt the release of the eggs.

Egg Retrieval Procedure

The actual egg retrieval procedure takes only about 20 to 30 minutes! It’s a quick and easy outpatient procedure performed under mild sedation. Plus, it’s easy to wake up from.

During the procedure, an ultrasound probe will be inserted into your vagina to guide a needle into your ovarian follicle. The needle, connected to a suction device, will retrieve the matured eggs. Don’t worry: you will be under sedation for this! Your clinic’s team of doctors and medical professionals routinely perform these procedures. They will keep you comfortable both physically and emotionally during it and set you up for a successful egg retrieval recovery afterward.

Recovery After Egg Retrieval

You might feel tired or groggy after initially waking up from the sedation. Your clinic team will be there to take care of you and address any needs or concerns you might have. Once your medical team has cleared you to leave, your support person can take you home, as you are not allowed to operate a vehicle. 

While we cannot predict exactly how long your individual egg retrieval recovery will be, we can assure you that symptoms are mild and typically only last a few days. 

Some symptoms that you might experience after the egg retrieval are bloating, vaginal soreness, mild cramping, or light spotting. Many of our egg donors have compared their post-egg-retrieval symptoms to their monthly period. Most discomfort should improve, if not by the next day, then within the following few days. Your doctor can also advise which over-the-counter medications to take for any pain if you need them.

Learn what to expect after egg donation—both emotionally and physically—in our related blog post.

Some Common Questions

Is egg retrieval painful?

As mentioned earlier, you will be under sedation for the short procedure, so any pain, if you experience it, should be minimal. You might, however, experience some mild symptoms post-retrieval that are similar to period pains. For many women, the most uncomfortable part of the egg retrieval process are the at-home injections leading up to the retrieval itself. 

Will egg donation leave a scar?

Definitely not! The eggs are retrieved from inside your ovarian follicle via an ultrasound probe and needle that is inserted in your vagina.

What should I plan to avoid after egg retrieval?

Your doctor will give you a specific set of instructions to follow during your recovery. In general, however, you should avoid the following for at least a week following the egg retrieval procedure:

·  Strenuous activities

·  Heavy lifting

·  Tampon use

·  Soaking in water

·  Intercourse

Because of the light sedation during the retrieval, you should also avoid driving for at least 24 hours afterward, which is why a support person must drive you home. 

What to eat after egg retrieval?

You can eat whatever you want pre- and post-egg retrieval. However, we encourage our donors to eat foods rich in vitamin D and protein to help them feel their best during this time. 

You’re Not Alone—We’re Here Every Step of the Way

Whether you’re preparing for egg retrieval or wondering what recovery will be like, we’re here to make sure you feel supported, informed, and cared for throughout your journey. If you’re ready to take the next step or simply have more questions about what to expect, we invite you to contact our team today. Your gift is life-changing—and so is your experience with Everie.