Retrieving and freezing eggs has become increasingly common.  There are a number of reasons an individual may consider egg retrieval, freezing, and/or IVF procedures including everything from personal health factors to focusing on their career. Some companies even offer to cover the service for employees as an incentive or benefit. While this procedure and practice has become significantly more common, it is still relatively new compared to other areas of medicine. There is much we are still learning about this process and how to support it and improve outcomes. In this article, we explore the process of retrieving eggs and potential ways to support this process with nutrition and lifestyle strategies.

Egg Retrieval and Freezing:

The process of freezing eggs builds upon natural, hormone-driven processes. We discuss these hormones and more in our blog post about “How to Improve Egg Quality with Nutrition.” During a normal menstrual cycle, one egg is typically released for fertilization; however, during an egg retrieval procedure, practitioners will harness and enhance natural processes to retrieve multiple eggs at once. This is typically done through self-injected hormones for ovarian stimulation and follicle growth. The final step before retrieval is a “trigger” shot which prompts eggs to reach final maturation. Within a few days of this “trigger” shot, a quick retrieval procedure will be performed to obtain as many mature eggs as possible. 

Recovery after retrieval:

Though egg retrieval is typically a swift procedure, and most women return to work the following day, some women may experience bloating, pain, cramping, or weight gain associated with ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). These symptoms can last a few weeks around retrieval time and are likely due to the hormonal and physical changes in the ovaries while growing multiple follicles to maturation. These symptoms are usually no cause for alarm; however, it is important to notify your doctor of any symptoms.

General Healthful Tips to Support Egg Retrieval: 

While it was once thought that promoting egg quantity was a key factor to the success of egg retrieval/freezing, in recent years focus has shifted to promoting egg and follicle quality. The egg follicle maturation process occurs over approximately 90 days, so it is ideal to implement these nutrition and lifestyle strategies at least 3 months prior to retrieval (however, the longer you can implement them prior to retrieval, the better!). If possible, implement these routines 6-12 months in advance of retrieval.

• Adequate Intake: Ensure you meet your caloric, protein, and hydration needs. Adequate intake is crucial to overall health of tissues, hormones, and body systems and processes. 
• Lifestyle Factors: Additional components which support and promote overall health include adequate sleep, regular physical activity, exposure to natural light, glucose/insulin management, and regular bowel movements (preferably 1-2 per day). Good routines in these areas will support your overall physical health status.
• Incorporate Antioxidant Rich Foods: Foods rich in antioxidants can also support overall health and potentially improve the ovarian environment by combatting oxidative stress. A simple way to increase antioxidant intake is to “eat the rainbow.” In other words, expand your dietary color palette by eating a wide variety of colors from different categories (fruits, veggies, legumes, etc). Diversifying and expanding your intake of fruits and vegetables will increase your intake of numerous antioxidants.
• Incorporate Anti-inflammatory Foods: Inflammation is a natural and necessary process (and need not be feared); however, if it occurs in excess or for too prolonged a period (chronic inflammation), then it can impact and impede body systems and functions. Increasing intake of omega-3 rich food sources (fish, nuts, seeds, olive oil, avocado, etc) can help combat this.
• Nutrients to Promote Egg Quality: As discussed in more detail in the “How to Improve Egg Quality with Nutrition” blogpost, nutrients such as CoQ10, melatonin, resveratrol, inositol, quercetin, and/or DHEA can serve to support the ovarian environment and may promote egg and follicle quality. At Functional Fueling Nutrition, we strongly encourage prioritizing whole food sources of nutrients; however, we also understand life can make this challenging and sometimes we need help filling the gaps. For those who desire or require supplementation support, it is important to purchase from reputable sources which practice third party testing to uphold safety and quality standards. FFN utilizes Fullscript to give our patients access to professional grade supplements. Before beginning any new supplementation, consult with a Registered Dietitian to ensure the type and dosage is right for you.

In summary, the process of retrieving eggs builds upon natural processes. It involves hormonal and physical health factors which can be supported through nutrition and lifestyle interventions including adequate intake, lifestyle factors, antioxidant rich foods, anti-inflammatory foods, and nutrients to promote egg quality. If you enjoyed this discussion and would like to work with us, click here to book a discovery call.

By Madison Morris (Dietetic Intern)