Trying to conceive viain vitro fertilization (IVF)is stressful enough. But add in a nasty bout of constipation after egg retrieval, and it’s no wonder this procedure can take a toll on your physical and emotional health.
The good news? Getting relief from constipation is a lot easier than you might think. Because it is a common side effect of egg retrieval, there are plenty of people who have been in your position. Which means, there are lots of tips and tricks for getting rid of this uncomfortable problem.
Read on to learn how long constipation can last after egg retrieval, how you can get relief, what causes it, and whether or not constipation can affect embryo implantation.
“Constipation can last for a few days after the retrieval, or it might last until the next menstrual cycle when progesterone levels drop,” saysKhaled Zeitoun, MD, OB-GYN and reproductive endocrinology & infertility (REI) specialist atNew Hope Fertilityin New York City.
However, if you get pregnant, Zeitoun says constipation might last much longer because pregnancy also causes highprogesteronelevels and can give you constipation.
Constipationis a normal side effect after egg retrieval. But that doesn’t mean you have to suffer through it. Natural remedies can help.
Here are five ways to relieve constipation naturally after egg retrieval.
Stay hydrated
Zeitoun suggests drinking plenty of water before the procedure and staying hydrated after egg retrieval.
That’s because water helps you get rid of waste through bowel movements. Water also aids in
You get water from food and fluid. Ideally, most of your hydration should come from drinking water throughout the day.
But you will also find water in foods like watermelon, strawberries, apples, cantaloupe, cucumbers, lettuce, skim milk, broth, and soup.
Fill up on fiber
Choosingfoods high in fibermay also help relieve constipation after egg retrieval.
That’s because fiber canspeed upthe transit of stool through the digestive system, allowing you to have regular bowel movements.
According to the
This amount decreases slightly for ages 31 to 50, with the recommendation of 25 grams for a 1,800-calorie-per-day diet.
Fiber-rich foods include:
- fruits such as berries, apples with skin, or prunes
- vegetables like broccoli, pumpkin, sweet potato
- whole-grain foods like brown rice and bran cereal
- almonds, chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, and flax
If your fiber intake is currently on the low end, slowly increase the amount you eat. Adding too much fiber too quickly can cause abdominal discomfort.
Drink a glass of prune juice
In addition to drinking lots of water, Zeitoun recommends a glass of prune juice. If you don’t like drinking juice, try snacking on a few prunes instead.
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Increase your magnesium intake
Magnesium is a mineral found in many foods and supplements.
According to the
If you’re already taking a prenatal vitamin or other supplements, check the amount ofmagnesiumto make sure you’re staying within the RDA for your age.
Foods high in magnesium include pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, almonds, and spinach. Check with your doctor if you want to add a magnesium supplement to your routine.
Go for a short walk
Physical activity like walking or jogging can sometimes get things moving and keep your bowel movements regular.
Aim for a 10- to 15-minute walk, two to three times a day, especially after meals. But make sure you’re close to a bathroom in case your bowels decide it’s time to empty.
One of the more common side effects of IVF egg retrieval is constipation, says Zeitoun. If you’ve been able to dodge this unpleasant condition, consider yourself fortunate. But if you’re dealing with bloating, discomfort, and pain, you might wonder why egg retrieval causes constipation.
Higher progesterone levels
According to Zeitoun, during an IVF cycle, progesterone levels are much higher than normal. And since progesterone is a muscle-relaxing hormone, it relaxes the colon, too, causing constipation.
Anesthesia
Egg retrievals are performed underanesthesiato keep you asleep and comfortable during the procedure.
Because of this,Iris Insogna, MD, OB-GYN, and reproductive endocrinology/infertility expert at Columbia University Fertility Center, says some people may have constipation as a result of anesthesia, which may temporarily slow the bowels.
Fluid or blood in pelvis
“It’s common to have a little fluid or blood in the pelvis after a retrieval, which can irritate the bowels, and some women may develop constipation as a result of that as well,” Insogna says.
Medications
Janet Choi, MD, reproductive endocrinologist, medical director of CCRM, New York, andProgynymedical advisory board member, says if your doctor gives you the drug Cabergoline to minimize ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) risks, you may also experience constipation.
In addition to natural remedies, Insogna says that yes, you can also use a mildlaxativeto help with constipation. “This may include stool softeners like Colace and laxatives like Miralax or senna,” she says.
But before you go buying up every brand in the store, talk with your doctor or a pharmacist about the best laxative for you.
Laxatives typically have different ingredients and strengths. Your doctor may want you to start with a mild laxative and work your way up to a maximum strength, especially if you’re new to taking them.
重要的是你读的方向drug label and only take the recommended amount. Taking more will not produce better results.
Taking more than you needmay make you sick and cause electrolyte disturbances, abdominal pain, cramping, and diarrhea.
Stimulant laxative
The strongest type of laxatives works by stimulating your bowels. According to theAmerican Academy of Family Physicians, a stimulant laxative causes the bowel to squeeze, which moves the stools out.
Stimulant laxatives are meant for short-term use — typically only for a few days. They do not require a prescription, and you can buy a laxative at most grocery stores or pharmacies.
Stool softener
If a stimulant laxative is too harsh, you can also try a stool softener or emollient laxative. Stool softeners are a type of laxative but are gentler on your body than a stimulant laxative.
Astool softenerdoes not cause a bowel movement, but it can help relieve temporary constipation by softening stools to make them easier to pass. They are available over the counter and come in tablets, capsules, liquid, or syrup.
Constipation may be incredibly uncomfortable and inconvenient, but it won’t affect embryo implantation.
While constipation may not affect embryo implantation during IVF treatment,
- maternal age
- body mass index
- smoking
- stress
- immunological issues
- infection
- anatomical abnormalities and endometrial thickness
- genetics
Constipation is a normal and common side effect after egg retrieval from IVF. In most cases, it only lasts a few days. But sometimes, it can persist until the next menstrual cycle.
To help with discomfort during this time, consider some of the natural remedies listed above, or talk to your doctor about taking a laxative. They can recommend the best course of action for you.
