Egg retrieval is a significant step in the IVF treatment. During this stage, fertility experts collect an egg from a female partner to inject sperm into it. This procedure is important for developing the egg into an embryo and for transfer.
So, technically egg retrieval is the initial stage of in vitro fertilization. Couples undergoing this treatment have many doubts, especially women. Yes, women are very cautious about preparing their body for egg retrieval.
This article discusses one of the important considerations before retrieving the eggs, is shaving is necessary or not. It also includes a checklist for before egg retrieval.
Is Shaving Necessary Before Egg Retrieval?
Shaving is not a mandatory requirement prior to the egg collection process of IVF treatments. However, if a woman undergoing IVF treatment feels any discomfort, then she can shave private area hair.
Shaving it reduces the risk of infection and makes them feel more comfortable. However, fertility experts don’t set any criteria for shaving before or after the egg retrieval process.
Does shaving impact the procedure and IVF success rate?
No, shaving doesn’t have any impacts on IVF procedures and success rates. Presence of public hair is not associated with the before and after egg retrieval process.
So, there is nothing to specially concern about shaving while undergoing in vitro fertilization.
Other than shaving, you can concentrate on some important things before the egg collection process. It includes,
- Eating fertility-friendly foods.
- Avoiding alcohol and cigarettes.
- Doing moderate exercise.
- Getting proper sleep.
- Reducing stress and depression.
- Make sure to take supplements on time.
Shaving procedure
There is nothing new, shaving is a straightforward process. New and clean or properly washed equipment for shaving is the utmost important thing.
In general, women can use a razor or electric trimmer for shaving. When it is before the egg collection process, using a new razor would be an apt one. This keeps you free from bacteria, fungal, or any other infections due to uncleanness.
Women can also ask suggestions to their fertility experts as they can provide better solutions.
When to Shave
In the morning or the night before the egg collection procedure, women can shave the public hair as it may increase the infection risks. Use mild soaps and gently rub the private areas to shave it completely. Otherwise, simply use water to shave the area.
Discuss about such things with the fertility expert, which gives you a clear idea and guides you in safe shaving.
Alternatives to Shaving
Everyone knows that there are some alternatives for shaving other than using razor or electric razors. It includes waxing, sugaring, hair removal creams, and trimming with scissors.
You can use new blades or razors and trim the hair with new scissors. But, waxing, sugaring, using hair removal creams, and other methods must be completely avoided.
Yes, following such alternative methods can cause infection and make your body not suitable for egg retrieval. And, plugging hair from its roots through waxing can open the pores that give a chance for infection.
Apart from shaving, you need to create a checklist for these things and get ready on the day of your procedure.
- Prefer comfortable and loose-fitting clothes.
- Heat compress.
- Take medicines like stool softeners, anti-nausea, and tylenol.
- Make sure you’re not visiting the clinic alone, because after the procedure it could be tough for you to travel.
- Intake plenty of fluids and electrolytes after the procedure.
Conclusion
If you and your partner decide to undergo IVF treatment for conception, that’s great. Egg retrieval is one of the important initial stages of in vitro fertilization. A few days after egg retrieval, embryo transfer can be done. For this important step, egg retrieval needs to be done successfully.
Still, some fertility experts ask to shave and most of them say it is not necessary. So, you can shave or leave it, according to your doctor’s advice and your comfort. Make sure you follow the post egg retrieval medications and tips provided by the fertility expert.
FAQs
Avoid wearing makeup, nail polish, and perfume, such things can increase bacterial exposure risks during the gestation period.Â
Never touch alcohol before and after the procedure and don’t take part in strenuous activity. Avoiding these things make the egg collection process easier and healthier.
The night before egg retrieval will be crucial and nerve wracking. Don’t eat or drink anything after midnight, that is, you should not consume anything at least 7 or 8 hours before egg retrieval.
It’s because eating foods can cause oxidative stress in the body and can be inflammatory. Such conditions could complicate the retrieval process when you’re under anesthesia.
Preparing your body for the egg retrieval process is quite significant. So, be aware of do’s and don’ts, which makes the retrieval process smooth and effective.
- Avoid a sedentary lifestyle.
- Keep your eyes on the diet.
- Take fertility medications properly on time.
- Avoid using unhealthy chemicals such as cosmetics, moisturizers, harsh soaps, nail polish, food-packaging materials.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Limit caffeine consumption.
- Discuss with your fertility expert to get exercise suggestions.
- Get quality sleep and completely avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
