How can I reduce the egg collection bloat?

Egg collection bloating – what’s normal & how to feel better

Let’s be real – bloating after egg collection can be seriously uncomfortable. So, what’s actually happening, and what can you do to feel better?

For many going through fertility treatment – whether it’s IVF, egg freezing, or donation – egg collection is a huge milestone. It’s the moment eggs are retrieved from the ovaries under light sedation, ready to be fertilized, frozen, or donated.

If you’ve been through the stimulation phase (aka daily hormone injections and frequent scans), this step might feel like a finish line of sorts. But it’s also the moment you find out how many eggs were collected and their quality – something that can bring both relief and anxiety.

Physically, it’s normal to feel a bit off in the days following your procedure. Bloating is super common (thanks, swollen ovaries!), and while it usually settles within a few days, it can make you feel meh in the meantime.

So, what’s actually causing the discomfort? And more importantly – what helps? We asked Jo Whitty (Deputy Nursing Manager) to break down what’s normal, when to check in with your clinic, and the best ways to ease bloating post-retrieval.

Let’s get into it.

Is bloating after egg collection normal?

Totally normal. Some bloating before and after egg collection is super common. It’s usually down to the fertility meds, which stimulate your ovaries to help produce multiple eggs.

After the procedure, the follicles (where the eggs were growing) can sometimes fill back up with fluid, which keeps that bloated feeling hanging around for a bit. It should settle down in a few days — but if anything feels off, always check in with your clinic.

What causes bloating after egg collection?

Other reasons for bloating during fertility treatment can include the hormone levels increasing as a response to the stimulation of the ovaries to develop the eggs.  Before stimulation, your ovaries are usually very small, whereas during the stimulation the ovaries increase in size with the developing follicles.  While this is an intended part of stimulation, it can cause you to feel bloated.

At all stages of your stimulation you are monitored with regular scans and blood tests to ensure the ovaries and hormone levels remain within expected limits.  Sometimes these levels are slightly higher which can exacerbate the feelings of bloatedness.

How can I reduce bloating after egg collection?

• After egg collection we recommend our patient ensure a good fluid intake (2 -3 litres of water) per day to help bloating.
• A good diet, high in fibre and low-processed foods (fresh fruit and veg!) will also help to relieve symptoms.
• Exercise gently (e.g. walking) can help reduce bloating after egg collection.
• Your consultant may provide medications to minimise bloating in some treatments following egg collection, however this is on an individual basis.

How long does bloating usually last after egg collection?

Ordinarily, you can expect bloating after egg collection to last for a few days. Very occasionally it may last longer.  If you are concerned at any stage we recommend getting in touch with your clinical health professional who will provide further advice and offer clinical review if required for your reassurance.

Occasionally, if your treatment is successful your feeling of bloating may go on for some time due to ongoing medication.

Editor’s note – When navigating egg retrieval recovery, in our experience, wearing our softest clothes in the days post-collection is an absolute must for added comfort, and confidence.

If bloating continues, a Layer Band might help. Created by Layer Clothing, these super stretchy waist bands are trimmed with plain or striped cuffing and can be worn over bottoms and under tops, around your hips and tummy, for extra comfort and smoothing bloat support. We love that they add a stylish pop of colour to any outfit, too.

What can I do about constipation and gas during IVF stimulation?

It is very common to experience some degree of unusual bowel activity before and during after egg collection.  You may be less physically active in the stimulation phase due to the treatment which may lead to a degree of constipation.  Alternatively, changes in hormone levels and diet can adversely affect your regular movement and cause constipation, as can changes in your normal hormone levels.

Please be reassured that all of these symptoms should return to normal within a short time frame.  It is entirely acceptable to medicate with a mild appeariant such as fybogel or laxido.  Increasing fluid intake and having a high fibre diet also helps constipation during fertility treatment.

At CRGH we pride ourselves on being there for our patients every step of the journey.  Our dedicated team of nurses and doctors are there to answer questions by telephone, email and our PatientPortal, whenever needed.

We understand that reassurance on what may seem like a small question can result in a more comfortable fertility journey for all of our patients.  We hope this article has been helpful to you, and look forward to welcoming you to CRGH.