Treatment Spotlight:

• Most physical side effects are mild and short-term, such as abdominal discomfort, cramping, and mood changes during the stimulation and recovery phases.
  
  
• A rare risk is ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), which clinics take proactive steps to monitor and reduce.
  
  
• Egg freezing does not deplete your future egg supply or negatively affect your ability to conceive naturally later.
  
  
• Emotional side effects, including stress or unexpected feelings around the process, are common and and deserve attention and care.
  
  
• Long-term health risks are considered very low, though research is ongoing as access to egg freezing becomes more widespread.

Egg freezing is a way of preserving your eggs for the future. It involves taking hormone medications to encourage your ovaries to grow multiple eggs at once, retrieving them during a short procedure under sedation, and freezing them at a very low temperature. The whole process usually takes around 4-6 weeks, with regular monitoring along the way.

While everyone's experience is a little different, most physical side effects of egg freezing are short-lived and manageable. Understanding what’s typical — and what’s less common — can help you feel more prepared for the weeks ahead. Here's what you might notice during each stage of the process.

During ovarian stimulation (hormone phase)

Prior to egg retrieval, you'll take hormonal injections to stimulate your ovaries to mature multiple eggs at once. During this phase, it’s common to experience:

• Abdominal discomfort: As the ovaries grow larger, some people feel a sense of fullness or bloating. [1]
  
  
• Headaches: Fluctuations in hormone levels may trigger mild headaches for some. [2]
  
  
• Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS): While uncommon, OHSS can occur when the ovaries have an exaggerated response to medication. Fertility clinics actively monitor for this and can adjust treatment protocols to minimise the risk. Symptoms of OHSS include persistent nausea, vomiting, severe pain, thirst, abdominal swelling, or less urine being passed. [3,4]

After egg retrieval

The egg retrieval itself is a minor surgical procedure, typically done under sedation. Afterwards, it's normal to experience:

• Cramping: Mild to moderate cramping is common for a few days as the ovaries settle post-procedure. [5]
  
  
• Spotting: Light vaginal bleeding can happen as the body recovers. [6]
  
  
• Feeling "full" or bloated: Some people continue to feel bloated for a few days as the ovaries gradually return to their usual size. [7]

Alongside the physical process, egg freezing can carry emotional weight. Many people find it helpful to anticipate and acknowledge the psychological aspects as part of caring for their overall wellbeing.

• Hormonal effects on mood: Hormone stimulation may lead to increased emotional sensitivity or irritability. These changes are a physiological response to medication and are entirely valid. [8]
  
  
• Balancing hope and uncertainty: Egg freezing is often chosen to preserve future possibilities. While that can bring relief or a sense of control, it can also involve complex emotions — especially since it doesn’t guarantee pregnancy success later in life.
  
  
• Financial investment: Choosing to freeze eggs is a significant personal decision, often involving a considerable investment of time, finances, and emotional energy.

Egg freezing is widely considered safe, but like any medical procedure, it isn’t completely risk-free. Most people move through the process without serious issues, but it’s important to be aware of rare complications and what the research is telling us.

The main risks include mild surgical risks linked to egg retrieval and, less commonly, ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). There’s no evidence so far that egg freezing causes infertility, early menopause, or long-term damage to your ovaries. However, because egg freezing is a relatively new option for large numbers of people, researchers are still building long-term data over time. [9]

Right now, the evidence is reassuring — and clinics continue to refine protocols to make the process even safer for future generations.

Feeling informed before you start can make the whole experience feel much more manageable — and the right clinic will welcome your questions. It’s your body, your future, and you deserve clear answers every step of the way.

Here are a few important things to ask:

• How do you help manage side effects during and after treatment? Understanding what support is available can help you feel more prepared if anything unexpected comes up.
  
  
• What steps do you take to reduce the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS)? Ask about their specific protocols, how often they monitor, and how they tailor medication doses to each individual.
  
  
• What pain relief options are available after egg retrieval? Understanding what’s typically offered — and whether you can plan for extra support at home — can help make recovery smoother.
  
  
• Are there risks based on my personal health history? Certain factors (like PCOS or previous surgeries) may affect your side effect risk.
  
  
• What should I do if side effects don’t go away after recovery? Understanding how your clinic approaches recovery — especially if side effects persist — can provide reassurance and help you feel more supported throughout the process.
  
  
• Do you offer emotional wellbeing support? Whether it’s access to a counsellor, support groups, or just someone you can check in with, emotional care matters as much as physical care.

Most side effects after egg freezing ease within days, but giving your body the right support can make a real difference in how you feel. Small steps can help you recover more comfortably and spot anything that might need extra attention.

• Rest: Prioritise adequate sleep to allow your body time to recover. [10]
  
  
• Use approved painkillers: Typically, paracetamol is recommended if you experience cramping, but your fertility clinic will provide more information specific to your needs. [10]
  
  
• Use sanitary towels: If you experience spotting, it’s advised to use sanitary towels (AKA pads) instead of tampons, to avoid introducing bacteria to your reproductive system, as it can be particularly sensitive for a few days to weeks afterwards. [10]
  
  
• Wear loose clothing: Soft waistbands and breathable fabrics can help you feel more comfortable, especially if you're feeling bloated or tender.
  
  
• Track your symptoms: Make a note of how you’re feeling each day — it can help you spot improvements or know when something isn’t right.
  
  
• Know when to call your clinic: If you notice persistent nausea, vomiting, severe pain, thirst, abdominal swelling, less urine being passed, or anything that feels worrying, reach out to your medical team without delay.

Side effects are a recognised part of the egg freezing process, but for most individuals, they are manageable and short-lived. Knowing what to expect — and when to seek support — can ease uncertainty and offer reassurance at every stage.

How long do side effects from egg freezing last?

Most people find that physical side effects like bloating, cramping, or spotting settle within a week after egg retrieval. Everyone’s recovery timeline is a little different, but it’s rare for symptoms to last longer than a couple of weeks.

Will egg freezing affect my future fertility?

No, egg freezing does not harm your fertility. The eggs retrieved are from the group your body would naturally release that month, and your cycle continues as normal afterwards — meaning you can still try to conceive naturally, or use your frozen eggs later as part of IVF if needed. [11]

Read our full guide: If You Freeze Your Eggs, Can You Still Get Pregnant?

Is it normal to feel emotional after egg freezing?

Yes — hormonal shifts, the intensity of the experience, and the hopes tied to the process can all stir up big emotions. It’s normal and valid to feel emotional, and support is available if you need it. [8]

What are the signs of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS)?

Early signs include rapid weight gain, severe bloating, abdominal pain, nausea, and shortness of breath. If you notice any of these, it’s important to contact your clinic straight away. [12]

Can egg freezing cause ovarian cysts?

Mild ovarian cysts can sometimes form after stimulation, but they usually resolve on their own without treatment. Your clinic will keep an eye on things through follow-up scans if needed. [13]

Can egg freezing trigger menopause?

No, egg freezing doesn’t trigger menopause or speed it up. The eggs collected are part of the group your body naturally prepares each month, so the overall number of eggs in your ovaries isn't affected in a way that would change the timing of menopause. Your natural hormonal changes will still follow their own timeline. [9]