The day following your procedure, you will hear from the IVF Lab. They will let you know how many eggs were mature, and how many fertilized with the sperm.
You will also be asked to start a medication called Letrozole, to help block estrogen levels and bring your hormones back down to their normal levels. During the recovery period we want to ensure you stay in Toronto in the event you need to be seen at the clinic.
The fertilized eggs (early embryos) are incubated in a tightly controlled laboratory environment for about 5-7 days.
Approximately one week after the egg retrieval procedure, the CCRM IVF Lab staff will provide you with a final update advising of the number of embryos available for genetic testing and freezing.
Genetic testing (PGT-A)
Preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) is a test performed on developed embryos to detect the number of chromosomes in the embryo.
The test results help to identify viable embryos for transfer, increasing the chances of pregnancy and live birth. Embryos with the correct number of chromosomes (euploid) are suitable for transfer, while those with incorrect chromosome numbers (aneuploid) are not.
The results of PGT-A will be available approximately 4 weeks after egg retrieval. Once they are available, you will have a follow-up appointment with your physician.
Post-Retrieval Recovery
After your egg retrieval, you may experience symptoms that should subside gradually as you recover
In the first day after your procedure:
You may experience vaginal spotting for the next 24-36 hours, starting with red and progressing to brownish discharge
Please use pads instead of tampons (you may use tampons after 5 days if there are no complications)
Do not take NSAIDs (ie Advil/Ibuprofen/asprin) within the first 24 hours of your egg retrieval, take Tylenol (acetaminophen) to manage any pain
In the first several days after your procedure:
You may experience mild abdominal cramping, continue to manage with Tylenol (acetaminophen) Extra Strength x 2 tabs (1000 mg) (unless otherwise directed by your team), taking every 6 hours as needed
Applying heat to your abdomen may also help
If you still require medication to help with pain relief 24 hours after the egg retrieval procedure, you can try adding non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) along with Tylenol (Acetaminophen). For example, either Ibuprofen 400 mg every 6-8 hours as needed OR Naproxen 220 mg every 8-12 hours as needed.
Diet recommendations after retrieval:
Start with drinking only water initially, and then progress to juices based on your tolerance
Next try light meals and gradually transition to heavier meals
Continue following the hyperstimulation diet if advised by your healthcare provider
Gastric bloating and constipation are common after ovarian stimulation:
Over-the-counter products like Eno may help with bloating
For constipation, increase your fibre intake, especially with fresh fruits that start with the letter p – peaches, pears, plums, prunes, as well as vegetables, legumes, whole grains. See ‘Bowel Routine’ below for additional treatment options.
Activity and Exercise Recommendations:
There is no restriction on light physical activity (walking)
Avoid moderate to high intensity exercise (especially HIIT) and core exercise (pilates, yoga) and any twisting motion until after your period begins
After 5 days post egg retrieval, you may resume sexual activity if you are not experiencing any complications such as vaginal bleeding or ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS)
Bowel Routine:
Increase your fibre intake as outlined above under ‘Diet’
Maintain light to moderate physical activity to stimulate the bowels (limit to the exercises and limitations recommended by nursing)
If you do find that you are constipated or have difficulty moving your bowels, we suggest you try Over the Counter options (RestoraLAX, or glycerin suppositories, or Senokot)