Day 1 post egg collection advice - IVF

[Hollycrook26]

Hi
I had my egg retrieval yesterday and they managed to get 7 eggs. They’ve phoned me this morning and said that 5 have fertilised and made it to day one.

However the Embryologist said only 45% make it to Blastocyst. Just wondering if anyone had similar experience with the amount of eggs retrieved etc? I am just nervous that none will make it!

Also, on a side note - feeling very bloated and cramps above my belly button following egg retrieval. Did anyone else experience the same and when does the bloating and pain go?

Thank you!

Hi, everything you're experiencing is absolutely normal.

There is usually a drop off in numbers while embryos develop, I believe the % your embryologist quoted is a general statistic, but it depends on a myriad of factors and really can't be predicted. To give you an example, I've had 3 egg retrievals (doing IVF for male factor) and these were my numbers:

• IVF 1: 8 retrieved, 4 day-5 blastocysts
• IVF 2: 16 retrieved, 1 day 5 blastocyst, 1 day 6 blastocyst
• IVF 3: 11 retrieved, 6 day-5 blastocysts

The 5 day wait is emotionally very difficult Hang in there!

The bloating and cramps are also normal, it should resolve within a few days (provided you're not doing a fresh transfer). If you start experiencing pain or the bloating is very very uncomfortable call your clinic so they can monitor you for OHSS.

Hi @Hollycrook26

There's a rate of attention to IVF sp that's probably where your embryologist gets that percentage, but it's so unique to individuals.

I got 7 eggs in August 2022, 7 fertilised and 7 made it to blast. One slowed down on day 5 so wasn't frozen so over all got 6 good and top quality blasts from 7 eggs, so doesn't always happen that there's a big drop off!

Hope the next five days fly by!

Hi @Imisscoffee2021
thanks so much for your message! I really appreciate it x

Hi @giraffesauce

Thank you for the message and telling me your egg retrieval rates.

Regarding the bloating and the cramps, I am due to have an embryo transfer in the next few days. Will the above still continue?

thank you!

Hi everyone @giraffesauce were you doing ivf or icsi for male factor please? Thank you xx

@Anonbaby I did icsi for male factor

We did ICSI

So if you get pregnant from your fresh transfer there is a chance the bloating might get worse, as the HCG hormone will trigger your ovaries. This happened to me with my 2nd IVF, I developed mild/moderate OHSS which got worse when I got pregnant.

If you had 7 eggs collected I don't think you're at high risk for OHSS though, usually happens with 15+ eggs. The best thing to do is to speak to your clinic so they can monitor your symptoms over the next few days and advise whether you should go ahead with the fresh transfer. Best of luck!

I had 11 eggs retrieved, 3 made to day 1 and 1 made it to Blast and you only need that special one! Good luck xxx