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When you’re preparing for your egg retrieval for IVF, you’re likely a flurry of hope and anxiety. In this post, we cover one of the most common questions we’ve heard from our patients: what to wear to egg retrieval. It’s an important day, so mark the occasion with personalized or specially-themed comfy clothes or socks that have a hint of fun to them. Here’s what we recommend.
1. Your lucky transfer socks
In the procedure room, socks are one of the articles of clothing you can actually keep with you and wear. And, with chillier temperatures, you’ll love the extra warmth.
Amazing creators on Etsy, an e-commerce website focused on handmade or vintage items and supplies, as well as unique factory-manufactured items, have designed fun transfer socks to keep your spirits positive and make you smile during your egg retrieval experience. Many acupuncturists equate cold feet to a cold uterus, so many people undergoing IVF call these their “lucky transfer” socks.
2. Comfy shirts that lighten the mood
Going into an IVF procedure is best done with a smile and relaxed energy. Many patients anecdotally say that the time an egg transfer worked for them was because they were at their coziest and most comfortable.
Like socks, you can find inspiring IVF shirts on Etsy. These provide the mental pep-talk you need on your big day. Many feature the welcoming, happy pineapple symbol that’s related to fertility care.
3. Sweatpants, yoga pants, or any other comfy bottoms or dresses
This is an important point when it comes to what to wear to egg retrieval: after the procedure, you will probably be very bloated and possibly cramping. Many people actually gain up to five pounds in water weight in the days following the egg retrieval experience. Your body is going through a lot of changes. Always respect this and allow space to nurture yourself.
Because of this, leave your skinny jeans at home. The clothes to wear to an egg retrieval are comfy and roomy above all else.
If you purchased a special shirt for egg retrieval day, pair it with large sweatpants, yoga pants, pajama pants, or leggings. You may also consider wearing a larger maxi dress that’s easy to pull off before the procedure and put back on afterward.
4. Full coverage underwear and panty liners
After an egg retrieval experience, it’s common to have some light spotting. Bring full coverage underwear, along with panty liners to wear home afterward. Even if you don’t end up needing them, these are a must to bring for anyone preparing for egg retrieval.
5. A bag with glasses, ID, and water bottle
On the day of your egg retrieval, bring a bag with your must-haves. Doctors ask you not to wear contact lenses the day of, so if you typically wear them, bring your glasses instead.
You’ll also need your photo ID the day of and a water bottle. You need to drink lots of liquids after the procedure, whether that’s water, coconut water, or a sports drink. Talk to your doctor about how much you should be drinking, and when, following your egg retrieval.
What not to wear to egg retrieval
When you’re preparing for an IVF egg retrieval, you should avoid anything with scents as it can affect egg quality. Also, leave home anything that will get in the way during the procedure.
Do not wear:
- Makeup
- Lotions
- Perfumes
- Deodorant
- Nail polish
- Jewelry
- Contact lenses
- Hair products
After that, just make sure you’re feeling relaxed and comfy before you head in for your egg retrieval. It’s a beautiful, joyous day and we know you’re going to do great.
For more information about our approach to IVF egg retrieval at the Fertility Institute, read our overview now. If you’re in Louisiana and interested in learning more about IVF, contact The Fertility Institute today to talk to one of our fertility specialists.
