Can I resume normal activities after egg retrieval?
Light activities such as walking or daily chores can generally be resumed 24–48 hours after egg retrieval, but strenuous exercise and heavy lifting should be avoided until after your next menstrual period. During ovarian stimulation, moderate exercise is typically acceptable until the ovaries enlarge (around day 6 of stimulation), but after egg retrieval, waiting until after your period helps reduce risks like ovarian torsion.
Timeline for Resuming Exercise After Egg Retrieval
- 0–48 Hours Post-Retrieval: Rest and limit activities to gentle walking. Avoid heavy lifting entirely to allow the ovaries to shrink back to normal size.
- 48 Hours to Menstrual Onset: You may add light stretching or restorative yoga, but still refrain from vigorous cardio, running, or weightlifting.
- After First Post-Retrieval Period: Once your period has occurred, most women can gradually return to their usual exercise routines, including moderate cardio and strength training, as long as there is no persistent pain or bloating.
Guidelines for Working Out Post-Retrieval
- Start Slow: Begin with short, 10-minute walks. Walking enhances circulation without placing undue strain on enlarged ovaries.
- Avoid High-Impact Activities: Until after your period, do not run, cycle intensely, or perform jumping movements—these can increase the risk of ovarian torsion when ovaries are still enlarged.
- Modify Strength Training: Replace heavy deadlifts or squats with low-resistance band exercises to maintain muscle tone while protecting your core.
- Monitor for Pain: If you feel sharp or severe cramping during exercise after egg retrieval, stop immediately. Mild soreness is expected, but intense pain indicates you need more rest.
Why Avoid Heavy Lifting and Strenuous Exercise
Immediately after egg retrieval, the ovaries remain enlarged from stimulation injections. Heavy lifting can shift or twist an enlarged ovary—known as ovarian torsion—which is both painful and potentially dangerous. Delaying strenuous activity until after your period ensures ovarian size has returned to baseline, substantially reducinrisk.