IVF egg collection is a new experience for most. To help you feel safe and prepared, our experts have answered your most frequently asked questions including “should I have pain or bleeding after?”.

Your partner is not permitted to go into the theatre/procedure room with you for the egg collection, but we do encourage them to accompany you when you have your embryo transfer.

It is common to experience some abdominal pain up to three days after egg collection. We recommend using mild pain-relief medication such as paracetamol at the normal dose, and placing a warm water bottle on your stomach to alleviate the symptoms.

If, however, the pain persists, contact the clinic for advice. If it worsens and you need further advice out of hours – after 10pm or on a Sunday – go to your local A&E department.

Some light period-like bleeding immediately after egg-collection is normal and usually settles down promptly.

However, if the bleeding is brisk and heavy, return to the clinic or, if it’s out of hours – after 10pm or on a Sunday – go to your local A&E department.