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How to Find Relief from Constipation after Egg Retrieval?

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Trying to conceive through IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) can be a stressful and an overall overwhelming experience. A woman’s body goes through various changes due to the stress before the treatment and the toll of the treatment procedure.

There are many side effects of IVF treatment, including headache, constipation, nausea, vomiting, etc. Some women may experience mild bloating, cramping, or spotting, which is normal and will pass on its own. 

You should drink plenty of water and take a warm shower if you experience constipation. In addition, increasing fluid intake and consuming a high-fibre diet can help. 

These simple things will help you feel better and keep your digestive system working well. You can even try laxatives or stool softeners.

In this guide, we will show you how to find relief from constipation after egg retrieval

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Know more about the process of IVF

IVF refers to in vitro fertilization, which is the process of creating a baby inside of a woman’s body. This type of treatment is often used in cases where women have problems getting pregnant after one year of unprotected sex. 

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is an effective treatment for infertility. Using donor sperm and eggs can increase your chances of conceiving a baby. However, you must consider your options before you go ahead with the procedure. 

The first IVF baby was born in 1978, and today, births resulting from IVF are about 1.5 per cent of all babies born. Since then, IVF treatments have helped thousands of couples become parents. You can select the best IVF clinics by comparing the success rates. 

What is Constipation?

Constipation is when you have fewer than three bowel movements in a week. The frequency of bowel movements is individual. Some people have several bowel movements daily, while others only a couple of times per week. 

The definition of constipation is based on your own bowel movement pattern, and it’s not unusual to go longer than this. The most common symptom of constipation is a hard, dry stool that is painful to pass. In addition, you may notice abdominal bloating and a feeling of not fully emptying your bowels.

Regular bowel contractions are necessary for normal bowel movement. Constipation may result when the body’s internal ‘clock’ is disrupted. Changing your bowel habits or eating a diet with low fibre content can lead to constipation. 

What Is Constipation After Egg Retrieval?

Women may experience after egg retrieval constipation for various reasons. Some women may experience constipation after retrieval due to water retention in the pelvic area. Drinking enough water is essential to avoid constipation. 

Although recovery time is short after egg retrieval, some women may experience mild pain, bloating and pelvic heaviness for a few days. While this may be uncomfortable, it is not considered an emergency. 

One cause of constipation is the amount of fluid in the body. The fluid levels in the follicles are necessary for the maturation of the egg. As a result, the more fluid in the follicle, the less fluid in the digestive tract. 

This is a common side effect of the procedure. Fortunately, there are several home remedies for severe constipation after egg retrieval that can help relieve the problem.

What Causes Constipation after Egg Retrieval? 

After egg retrieval constipation is pretty common, and there are many reasons behind it. It depends on a variety of factors, including higher levels of progesterone, medications, and the procedure itself. Here are some common causes. 

  • Higher Progesterone Levels

After egg retrieval, the progestogen levels in the body increase. It is a muscle-relaxing hormone that helps to relax the colon. However, as the level of this hormone increases, it leads to problems like constipation. Women who undergo fertility treatments may experience constipation or diarrhea as a result of hormonal fluctuations. The hormone estrogen plays an important role in the health of the woman’s gastrointestinal tract. It can reduce bowel movements by promoting diuresis and water retention.

  • Anesthesia

IVF treatment is often done under anesthesia. It is used to keep the patient comfortable and make the procedure smooth as possible. However, anesthesia can interfere with the bowel system causing problems like constipation. 

  • Fluid or Blood In Pelvis

A mild level of fluid or blood in the pelvic cavity after egg retrieval is normal. This is the result of the ovarian fluid and blood being introduced by the syringe during aspiration. However, a higher amount of fluid can irritate the bowel system and cause problems like constipation. 

  • Medications

Some women have trouble getting bowel movements after egg collection. Constipation can last for several days or until the next menstrual cycle. Many doctors give Cabergoline medicine after the treatment. It helps to reduce the risks of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. This might also cause constipation problems. 

How to Relieve Constipation after Egg Retrieval? 

After egg retrieval, women face constipation problems that can be quite stressful and uncomfortable. However, there are certain things that you can do to relieve this problem. 

  • Stay Hydrated

If you’re planning to have a baby after egg retrieval, stay hydrated after the procedure. The Institute of Medicine recommends that you drink nine glasses of water per day. After egg retrieval, women should expect some pain. Some women experience bloating or mild cramping for about two to five days, depending on the person’s body type. In order to relieve the pain, you need to drink plenty of water and stay hydrated. 

  • Add Fiber to Your Diet

After successful egg retrieval, a woman may experience constipation. Fibre helps in the passage of stools as the fluid in the pelvis can irritate the bowels. Filling up on fibre after the procedure can help speed the bowel movement. Several high-fibre foods like prunes, figs, and fruits are good options for severe constipation after egg retrieval. Foods that contain high amounts of fibre can keep your colon regular, and many women experience relief after eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. 

  • Drink Prune Juice

If you’re experiencing after egg retrieval constipation, prune juice is an excellent way to relieve the problem. The juice contains about six grams of fibre. You can also use any remaining prunes to make a delicious vintage prune cake recipe. Another natural remedy to ease constipation is whole wheat bread, which contains a high amount of insoluble fibre.

  • Increase Magnesium Intake

You can also increase the intake of magnesium in your diet to get rid of the constipating problem. To get more magnesium in your diet after egg retrieval, start eating more nuts and seeds. Add a handful of nuts and seeds to your salads for extra magnesium. Try a bean & veggie taco bowl instead of meat and whole-wheat bread for a more nutritious meal. A cup of yoghurt has 11% of the daily value of magnesium, so you can easily substitute it for a meat-heavy lunch. 

  • Go For Short Walks

After egg retrieval surgery, most women experience some amount of bloating and discomfort. In addition to eating foods that are high in magnesium, you should also do a bit of physical activity. Walking regularly is one of the best ways to regulate bowel movements and get back to normal. A brisk walk can help regulate your bowel movements and regularize your toilet schedule. 

  • Do Yoga and Exercise

If you’re going through IVF and experiencing constipation, it’s important to get some relief. Fortunately, exercise and yoga can help. Regular exercise can help relieve constipation and normalize bowel movements, but it can also be very uncomfortable when you’re bloated. For this reason, you may want to try yoga for constipation, which involves twisting the torso. 

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  • Drink Coffee

There are many reasons to drink caffeine-rich coffee, but a single common reason may be to relieve constipation. One way is by increasing the amount of acid in your stomach. Coffee contains chlorogenic acid, which triggers the production of more gastric acid and, therefore, causes your stomach to empty faster. This increase in acidity may also prompt your body to release hormones that speed up the process of digestion, including the elimination of waste.

  • Try Abdominal Massage

If you’re trying to conceive, try abdominal massage for constipation relief. The abdominal massage consists of four strokes that encourage the passage of stools through the colon and into the rectum. Start by using a flat hand and moving up to the rib cage. Repeat this motion ten times. Next, use two hands to smooth over the hips, pelvis, and groin. Finally, repeat on the other side.

Conclusion

Constipation is a common side effect of IVF treatment, and many women experience this problem after egg retrieval. In order to treat this problem, there are various remedies available. First you can go for natural solutions like drinking plenty of water, eating fibre-rich foods, exercising, etc. If the natural remedies don’t work it is advisable that you talk to your doctor about taking stool softeners or laxatives. 

FAQs

How Long Constipation After Egg Retrieval Last?

After undergoing an egg retrieval procedure, most women feel bloated and suffer from cramps for up to two to five days. Though the pain is not severe, it is uncomfortable. For the first few days, women might also experience constipation.

What Can I Take For Constipation During IVF?

After the egg retrieval process, women often suffer from constipation. This can affect both their physical and emotional health. Women can also take natural laxatives like coffee and prune juice and eat high-fibre foods to get rid of constipation. The best solution is to drink plenty of water. Other remedies include stool softeners and milk of magnesia. 

Can You Use a Laxative After Egg Retrieval?

Some women experience severe constipation after egg retrieval due to the fluid in their pelvis, which irritates their bowels. Others develop constipation after retrieval, primarily due to the use of an anti-estrogen medication known as Cabergoline. If you cannot get relief from natural sources, it is best to take laxatives or stool softeners, but only after consulting your doctor. 

Can Constipation Affect Embryo Implantation?

Constipation after egg retrieval can be stressful and the anticpitaion can impact both physical and emotional health. You should make sure you are taking the proper measures to prevent constipation and make your egg retrieval a smooth experience. While this condition can be stressful, it doesn’t really affect embryo implantation. 

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Somapika Dutta (B.Sc Physiology, Honours)
Somapikar holds Bachelors Degree in Physiology from University of Culcutta. She has 6+ years of experience writing in different niches, including health, tech and lifestyle. An animal enthusiast and a raging foodie, experiencing life - one day at a time.

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