How to prepare for your egg collection

If you are waiting to have your eggs collected for IVF treatment or freezing, you may be wondering how to prepare for this process.

It’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed, but knowing the facts beforehand can help ease your nerves and help to make you feel more prepared on the day of collection.

Here are a few tips to help ensure your day goes smoothly.

Dos

Administer your injections – It’s essential to administer your daily injection to stimulate your egg growth. Your doctor or fertility clinic will have shown you how to do this. If in doubt, get in touch with our patient portal team.

Attend monitoring scans - You'll have pelvic scans before the egg collection to monitor the growth of the follicles in the ovaries. This will help determine the timing of your egg collection. You'll also be told when to take your final doses of medication.

Take care of yourself – If you are working, make sure you take the day of your procedure off. It might also be helpful to take the day before off to relax and prepare. Whether you prefer watching your favourite films, reading or taking a walk in the park - prioritise your wellbeing. Also, aim to get an early night to ensure you are well rested; you’ll need it. You may also want to take a few days off after the procedure to recover.

Pack something to read – Be prepared for potential waiting time. So bring your favourite book or magazine to read. Alternatively, consider packing your headphones to listen to your favourite music or podcast.

Arrange for someone to accompany you – Having a loved one accompany you during the procedure can provide comfort and help you feel at ease. If your companion can’t stay with you, ensure you have someone to take you home safely after the procedure. 

Wear loose-fitting clothes – Opt for comfortable clothing, such as joggers, a loose t-shirt or a dress to help you feel relaxed before and after the procedure. You may be required to change into a hospital gown, so it’s best to wear clothes that are easy to remove. After the egg collection, you may experience bloating or swelling, so avoid tight clothing to prevent discomfort.

Stay hydrated – Drink plenty of water the evening before the day of your egg retrieval. This will help alleviate any post-procedure bloating and enhance your recovery process. Herbal teas can also be beneficial for bloating and cramps. So, it might be worth bringing your favourite herbal tea to enjoy after the procedure.

Take your favourite snacks – There’s no doubt you’ll be hungry after your egg collection. While tea and biscuits will be provided, packing your favourite snack is a great idea– you’ve earned it!

Pack your essentials – Consider packing essential items such as a mobile charger, paracetamol, and a hot water bottle to alleviate discomfort after the procedure.

Don’ts

Limit strenuous activities – It’s important to understand that you will undergo a minor operation and your body needs time to recover. Avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting or any other activities that could cause discomfort or bleeding. Instead, engage in light tasks and allow yourself to relax; you should start feeling better within one to two days.

Do not arrive late – Make sure you arrive early for your appointment. Being late can delay the process and increase your stress levels, which may impact the outcome.

Don’t eat or drink after midnight – To ensure a smooth egg collection process, you will need to avoid food and drink from midnight before the egg collection. Consuming anything beforehand can cause complications with anaesthesia and the retrieval process. Therefore, having an empty stomach is crucial.

Do not wear perfumed products, make-up or nail polish – Refrain from using any make-up, perfume or nail polish on the day of your egg collection. These products can interfere with the process and perfumed products may negatively affect the development of the eggs and embryos.

Avoid alcohol and smoking – Alcohol and smoking can affect the quality and development of your eggs. It’s best to avoid both before and after your collection day to support good egg quality and improved IVF outcomes.  

By following this advice, you should feel prepared for your egg collection. However, if you have any concerns, make sure you speak to your doctor or fertility clinic.