The medical process of egg freezing, known as oocyte cryopreservation, is becoming a very popular method to preserve a woman’s reproductive potential. This method is beneficial for those women who are not yet ready to give birth and start a family, but they want to be sure that in the future, they will be able to do so. Therefore, this method of egg freezing is opted in order to ensure their ability to get pregnant in the future. While the method enhances the chances of pregnancy, there are also some side effects to it. Although the side effects are only experienced by a minority of people and not the majority, it is still essential that one remains informed on all the possible complications that can occur and visit the best gynaecologist in Bathinda. 

What is an egg-freezing cycle?

The cycle of egg freezing requires a patient to go through hormonal stimulation. It involves taking medication for the production of multiple eggs for extraction and assured egg development. 

Common side effects from medications 

Side effects caused by hormonal fluctuations are experienced by a minority of women, which is about a quarter. These side effects involve breast tenderness, headache, bloating, mood swings, hot and cold flashes, insomnia and mild fluid retention. These side effects are usually not significant and do not interrupt your daily routine throughout the stimulation process. In addition to this, the side effects only remain till the period of stimulation and do not affect you as you move to the next stage. 

Recovering from an egg retrieval

The process of egg freezing at the best IVF Centre in Punjab ends as the eggs are retrieved and stored. The retrieval process only lasts for about 20 minutes, that too, without any cuts and stitches and by just using a needle. 

You might be under anaesthesia and may need someone to take you home, but most of the time, there are no complications faced by the patient. Although they may experience some pain like cramps during the period, it will disappear in a short time. 

The potential risk of egg-freezing 

Complications during the egg collection. 

The egg retrieval process guided by ultrasound can be discomforting during or after the procedure and may last for 2-3 days. This is usually not a sign of a serious complication; however, in case of getting any surgery, some critical complications might take place, such as:

Infection: an infection is more frequent in women who have previously experienced a pelvic disease, such as blockage in fallopian tubes or endometriosis, but is still very rare to occur. 

Damage to internal organs: organs such as blood vessels, bladder, and bowel can be damaged; however, the damage is rare and only affects about 1 out of 5000 patients. 

Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS)

This is a condition where women experience an excess response to the fertilising drugs and, as a result, develop abdominal swelling and fluid retention. It is a rare condition, and only 1% of patients experience severe complications that might require admission to the hospital for their treatment. 

For the egg fertilisation cycle, OHSS is not so common, and if it occurs, it generally becomes noticeable after 2-8 days of egg collection. 

The symptoms that one should be aware of and contact the best gynaecologist in Bathinda as soon as you notice any are: 

• Increased abdominal bloating
• Severe nausea and vomiting
• Problems in breathing
• Increasing thirst
• Decreasing urine output 
• Diarrhoea

In case the effect of OHSS is mild, then it can be treated by rest, fluids, and mild pain relief. However, major effects of the condition may require hospitalisation. 

Risks when fertilising frozen eggs

• Poor response to fertility medications
• No eggs were obtained at the egg collection
• None of the eggs have been fertilised. 

All IVF processes don’t need to be successful; therefore, consulting the best IVF centre in Punjab is essential to follow a safe and smooth process that ensures pregnancy. It is important that you follow all the guidelines and instructions provided by your doctor and immediately consult them in case of any complications.