Egg freezing, although generally safe, comes with potential side effects and risks. Most side effects are mild and temporary, but serious complications can rarely occur. Consulting with a healthcare professional and having a support system in place can help manage these risks and make the egg freezing a smoother experience for you.
Here’s a list of what you might experience during and after the egg freezing process:
Common Side Effects
These side effects are typically a result of the hormonal medication used to stimulate the ovaries.
- Bloating and Cramping: Usually, these effects are caused by the hormonal medications used to stimulate the ovaries. The ovaries become enlarged, leading to a feeling of fullness and discomfort.
- Breast Tenderness: Hormonal fluctuations can cause breast tenderness, similar to what some women experience during their menstrual cycle.
- Mood Swings and Fatigue: You may experience mood swings and fatigue as result of the hormonal medications. They are usually temporary and subside after the hormonal medications are stopped.
- Nausea and Vomiting: It is possible that you may experience nausea and occasional vomiting due to the hormonal medications.
- Headaches: The hormonal changes might cause headaches.
- Injection Site Reactions: The daily hormone injections may result in mild bruising, soreness, and redness at the injection site.
Serious but Rare Side Effects
- Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS): This can occur when the ovaries are overresponding to the hormonal medications, leading to swollen and painful ovaries. Symptoms include severe abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, vomiting, and shortness of breath. Severe OHSS is rare, occurring in 0.1-2% of cycles and can usually be prevented by careful monitoring and by adjustments of the medication doses.
- Pelvic Infection: There is a small risk of pelvic infection following the egg retrieval procedure.
- Intraperitoneal Hemorrhage: This is a rare complication where there is bleeding within the abdominal cavity following the egg retrieval procedure.
- Ovarian Torsion: This rare condition occurs when the ovary twists around the ligaments that hold it in place, potentially cutting off its blood supply. Symptoms include sudden, severe abdominal pain.
Emotional and Psychological Impact
- Stress and Anxiety: The anticipation, hormonal changes, and the physical demands of the procedure can lead to increased stress and anxiety.
- Emotional Support: A strong support system in place, whether it's friends, family, or a counselor may be very helpful during the whole egg freezing process, especially since the start of the hormonal stimulation. Meditation and yoga can be also helpful in managing stress and anxiety.