30/03/2026
This is one of the most common questions I’m asked, and the short answer is that most women tolerate the process very well. While there can be some discomfort, it is generally mild and temporary.
During the stimulation phase, you’ll use small daily hormone injections for around 8–12 days. These injections are given with a very fine needle just under the skin, usually in the abdomen. Most patients describe them as a small pinch, similar to other routine injections. Some women experience mild bloating, pressure, or a feeling of fullness in the lower abdomen as the ovaries begin to respond — this is expected, as multiple follicles are growing at once.
You’ll also have a few internal ultrasounds during the cycle to monitor progress. These are similar to standard transvaginal scans and are usually not painful, though some women may feel slight pressure.
Egg collection itself is performed under sedation. This means you are asleep and comfortable during the procedure, and you should not feel pain while the eggs are being collected. The procedure typically takes around 15–20 minutes.
Afterwards, it’s common to experience mild cramping, bloating, or a feeling similar to period pain for a day or two. Most patients return to normal activities within 24–48 hours. Simple pain relief, rest, and staying well hydrated are usually all that’s needed.
Overall, while there can be some temporary discomfort, the egg freezing process is generally very manageable, and we support you closely throughout to ensure you remain as comfortable as possible.
If you have any questions, feel free to book an appointment with me where I can go through some fertility options with you.
