The idea of freezing eggs may seem daunting, especially when injectable medications are involved. However, most patients tolerate the process extremely well with minimal side effects. Dr. Kathryn Snow explains some of the side effects that you may experience when undergoing the egg freezing process.
Common Side Effects
Nausea: Most clinics will have you begin an oral contraceptive pill (OCP) in order to put your body “on pause” at the start of your period. For some patients, they experience nausea and even vomiting from an OCP. Typically, you are not on the birth control pill for more than one to two weeks but talk to your doctor if you are unable to tolerate it as lower dose alternatives may be able to be prescribed.
Bloating: This is by far the most common side effect that patients experience. As you take the injections, they act by stimulating your ovaries to make eggs. This, in turn, causes your ovaries to enlarge which often leads to bloating. This is most notable toward the end of your injection course, which lasts in total about two weeks. Typically, the bloating will resolve within the week after your egg retrieval. Comfy clothes will be your best friend!
Weight Gain: It is not uncommon to gain a small amount of weight (i.e., less than 5 pounds) throughout the egg freezing process. This is secondary to the hormones causing your ovaries to enlarge, and this should not be permanent weight but rather water weight.
Headaches and Breast Tenderness: As the medications begin to work, your hormone levels will rise. This can cause headaches and breast tenderness for some patients. It is completely fine to treat the headaches with any over the counter or prescription medications you may have on hand for headaches. Unfortunately, the breast tenderness cannot be solved with any medications, but a supportive sports bra can be helpful in minimizing any irritation you may experience.
Constipation: As your body adjusts to the medications and increasing hormones, it is not uncommon for you to experience mild constipation. Stool softeners are perfectly safe to consume during the egg freezing process and drinking plenty of fluids is advised.
Rare Side Effects
Ovarian Torsion: Ovarian torsion occurs when the ovary twists around the ligaments that typically hold it into place. This is secondary to the ovaries being very enlarged, and patients who experience torsion will have an acute, sharp pain in their lower abdomen. While rare, this is a surgical emergency since the twisting of the ovary can result in reduced blood flow and ultimately cause the ovarian tissue to die. Fertility providers typically encourage patients to avoid intense exercise throughout the egg freezing process, particularly towards the end of the injections/at time of egg retrieval where the ovaries are most enlarged and at risk for twisting on themselves.
Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS): OHSS occurs when the blood vessels surrounding the stimulated ovaries leak fluid. This often causes bloating and abdominal discomfort from the swollen ovaries, and this is more likely to occur in patients who are produce a large number of eggs (i.e., over 25 eggs). Women with PCOS are at a higher risk for mild OHSS. More serious manifestations include difficulty hydrating or urinating, excessive weight gain, severe abdominal pain, and even blood clots. If you believe you’re experiencing any of these severe symptoms, your doctor will need to know as soon as possible. However, the likelihood of serious OHSS has been drastically reduced due to alterations in fertility treatments and management over the years.
Dr. Kathryn Snow is a Reproductive Endocrinologist at Piedmont Reproductive Endocrinology Group (PREG). She completed her OB/GYN residency at Mount Sinai in New York City. She assisted in developing a cervical cancer screening program in South Africa and rotated at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). After residency, she pursued her training in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at Duke University where she trained with pioneers in the field of IVF. She is passionate about spreading awareness about reproductive health and empowering patients with evidenced-based information regarding their fertility options.
Learn more about PREG’s egg freezing practice on Freeze.
