The egg freezing journey: a daily support series

2 July 2025

Guest Contributor

With Pam Poyhonen (Nurse Manager) and Rebecca Hay (Head of Patient Services and ex-egg freezing patient)

Egg freezing is a powerful choice, but it can also be an intense experience. From hormone stimulation to egg collection, it’s a process that affects more than just your ovaries. Physically, emotionally, and mentally, you’re asked to show up every day, and that can feel overwhelming.

Pam says:
Having worked with hundreds of patients, I know how important it is to feel guided and reassured. This series is here to walk beside you, offering practical clinical insights and emotional check-ins along the way.

Rebecca shares:
Going through egg freezing was one of the most meaningful and emotionally complex things I’ve done. I was surprised by how vulnerable I felt during the process, especially in the quieter moments between appointments. There were days I felt strong and proactive, and days I felt uncertain and alone. That’s why this series matters. It’s the day-by-day, real-life support I wish I’d had. A reminder that every emotion is valid, and you’re not doing this alone.

What to expect from this blog:

• 💡 Expert daily guidance from Pam, our nurse manager
• 💬 Honest, reassuring reflections from Rebecca
• 🧘‍♀️ Tips to support your mindset, emotions and physical comfort

Save this guide. Revisit it when you need grounding. And most of all, remember: you’re doing something extraordinary for your future self.

Pre-Cycle Planning: The Nurse Consultation

Pam:
Before you start injections, you’ll have a nurse consultation where we walk through your personalised treatment plan in detail. We’ll discuss the timeline, what each medication does, and exactly how and when to take it. This session is also where we do your medication teach, showing you how to prep and inject safely, confidently and calmly.

You’ll have access to our Evewell YouTube tutorials too, which are a brilliant resource to revisit at home. They’re clear, step-by-step guides showing you how to inject yourself, with practical tips that make a big difference.

Rebecca:
This session made me feel genuinely confident going into my first injection. Everything was explained so clearly, and I loved how personal it felt, not like a one-size-fits-all plan. I watched the YouTube videos a few times and they really helped calm my nerves. I went from feeling anxious to feeling prepared and in control.

Tip:
Bookmark the Evewell injection tutorial videos and keep your treatment schedule somewhere easy to check. If anything feels unclear, reach out, your nurse is here to support you.

Day 1: Your first injection

Pam:
Today marks the beginning of ovarian stimulation. You’ll be starting a course of hormone injections, usually with follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), to encourage your ovaries to grow multiple follicles. This might sound daunting, especially if you’ve never injected yourself before. Don’t worry. Most patients find that the anticipation is far worse than the reality. The needles are small and designed for self-use, and your nurse will guide you through the technique step-by-step.

Rebecca:
I was honestly terrified before my first injection. I watched the tutorial video five times and still questioned whether I was doing it right. But once I got through it, I felt incredibly empowered. That first injection felt symbolic, like I was actively taking control of my future. I set up a little ritual with candles and calming music, which helped make the whole experience feel less clinical and more personal.

Tip:
Create a calm, private moment for each injection. This is more than a medical procedure, it’s an act of self-investment. Prepare a few soothing tools, music, a heat pack, herbal tea. Acknowledge what this step means to you and allow space to feel whatever comes up.

Day 2: The medication gets to work

Pam:
On the second day, the medication begins circulating through your system. It’s still early, so you might not feel any significant symptoms yet, and that’s completely normal. Your ovaries are quietly beginning to work on developing follicles. It’s a good time to stay consistent with your routine and focus on eating well, sleeping enough, and keeping stress levels low, as these can all support your body’s response to the medication.

Rebecca:
This was the day I started to notice how much I was in my head. I didn’t feel anything physically, but I was already imagining what could go wrong mentally. I decided to start jotting down how I felt each morning and evening. It helped me track my emotional state and let my feelings out without overanalysing every twinge.

Tip:
Start a simple journal or notes app entry for your egg-freezing journey. Track how you’re feeling, not to monitor symptoms obsessively but to make space for reflection and emotional processing. You’re allowed to feel calm one moment and anxious the next. All of it is part of the process.

Day 3: Bloating, mood shifts and hormones

Pam:
By now, hormone levels are building, and you may start to notice physical changes. Bloating, tender breasts, and mood shifts are all common. These are signs your ovaries are working hard. Each follicle is like a tiny fluid-filled sac, and as they grow, they can cause your abdomen to feel heavier or stretched. Emotionally, you may feel more sensitive or reactive; this is the hormone shift, not a sign of anything going wrong.

Rebecca:
I remember waking up and realising my clothes felt tighter and my patience was shorter. I felt irritable and teary, like PMS on steroids. It helped to remind myself that my hormones were doing exactly what they were meant to do. I leaned into comfort, stretchy clothes, soft lighting, warm baths, and gave myself permission to slow down when I needed to.

Tip:
Wear loose, comfy clothes. Stay hydrated. Avoid salty foods that can add to bloating. And be extra kind to yourself if your emotions feel unpredictable. You are not “too sensitive”, you’re hormonally and emotionally stretched. That deserves compassion.

Day 4: Your first follicle scan and blood test

Pam:
Today you’ll likely come in for your first scan to see how your ovaries are responding. We’ll be measuring the number and size of your follicles. It’s important to remember that every body responds differently, some need a longer stimulation period, and that’s okay. We might adjust your medication dose based on what we see, which is part of the personalised care plan.

Rebecca:
Walking into the clinic for that first scan, I was full of hope and fear. I wanted confirmation that everything was working, even though I knew it was early. Hearing that things were on track gave me such a sense of relief. I also reminded myself that it’s a process, today’s scan is just one piece of the puzzle, not the final word.

Tip:
Try not to attach too much emotion to one scan result. Progress is measured over several days. Write down your questions before your appointment, being informed helps you feel more grounded and in control.

Day 5: The emotional dip

Pam:
Midway through the stimulation process, many patients hit an emotional low. Hormone levels are peaking, and your body is under a lot of internal pressure. It’s common to feel weepy, anxious or irrational without a clear cause. This isn’t a sign of failure, it’s a temporary emotional state driven by a very real physiological response to the medication.

Rebecca:
Today was the hardest emotionally. I felt overwhelmed by small things, a missed email, a slow reply from a friend. Everything felt magnified. Instead of pushing through, I let myself pause. I lit candles, made a warm drink, and allowed myself a quiet night with no expectations. It helped reset my mood.

Tip:
This is a day to lower the bar. Do only what you have to, and let go of the rest. Let your emotional weather pass without judgement. You don’t need to be upbeat, you just need to be present and kind to yourself.

Days 6-7: Scans continue and the antagonist starts

Pam:
By now, you’ll likely have a second scan to assess follicle development. You may also be starting a second injection, called a GnRH antagonist, which prevents premature ovulation. This helps us control the timing of egg collection more precisely. It’s a sign your follicles are growing well and things are progressing.

Rebecca:
This scan felt more significant, I could see more follicles, and it felt like tangible progress. Adding the second injection felt like a lot, but it also gave me reassurance that my body was cooperating. I started using a checklist for my medication to stay on top of everything.

Tip:
Organisation helps with peace of mind. Use a calendar, app, or checklist to track your meds. It takes the guesswork out of a busy, emotional week and helps you stay on course.

Day 8: The planning for your trigger shot

Pam:
The “Trigger Shot” is often hCG or Buserelin, and this acts as the final signal to your body to mature the eggs.

After this, your follicles won’t grow further, and your eggs will be ready for retrieval. Precise timing is key, it’s usually given 36 hours before your scheduled egg collection, so it’s important to follow the instructions carefully!

You’ll likely feel bloated and tender, this is normal. Tomorrow is about rest and prep.”

Rebecca:
“I remember doing the trigger injection and feeling a huge sense of completion. I triple-checked the time, set alarms, and asked a friend to check in with me. Once done, I lay back and let out a long breath. The hard part, the daily injections, was over. I treated myself to a takeaway and a cosy film. It felt like the night before a big exam, nervous, but hopeful.”

Tip:
Plan your trigger shot like an event. Set multiple alarms, prepare the injection in advance, and avoid any distractions in the hour leading up. This is a big moment, celebrate it quietly if you can.

Day 9: Rest and prepare

Pam:
Today, there are no injections. Just rest. Your ovaries are full and sensitive now, so avoid strenuous movement. Drink plenty of water and electrolyte-rich fluids to support your body before collection. Some patients feel emotional; this is normal as the intensity begins to taper off.

Rebecca:
I took this as my recovery day before recovery even started. I lay on the sofa with a hot water bottle, watched something light, and just let myself be. No emails. No big thoughts. Just a big exhale.

Tip:
Make this a low-pressure day. Don’t book any meetings or appointments. Watch something comforting, make a nourishing meal, and stay close to home. You’re preparing for a big day.

Day 10: The day of egg collection

Pam:
Egg collection is a short, routine procedure performed under sedation. We use ultrasound to retrieve the eggs from your follicles. You’ll rest in recovery for a while, then go home with someone you trust. Most patients feel tired, sore or bloated, but it’s manageable. We’ll call you later to update you on the number of eggs retrieved.

Rebecca:
Waking up in recovery, the first thing I asked was, “How many?” I cried when they told me, part relief, part joy. I went home, curled up in bed, and stayed there most of the day. It felt like finishing a marathon.

Tip:
Have someone ready to bring you home and stay nearby. Eat something soft and easy. Rest deeply. And allow yourself to feel proud. You’ve done something extraordinary.

Day 10: The lab takes over

Pam:
While you’re resting, our embryologists begin their work in the lab. Today, they’ll carefully examine the eggs retrieved during your procedure. Each egg is surrounded by a protective layer of cells, which we gently remove in a process called stripping. This allows us to see the egg clearly and assess its maturity and quality.

Only mature eggs are suitable for freezing, so today’s work is all about preparing and identifying which ones are ready. Every egg is handled with care and precision. Although you may not be in the clinic today, a huge part of the process is still happening behind the scenes.

Rebecca:
Physically, the day after collection, I felt sore and really tired, like my body was asking me to stop and rest. I had a hot water bottle and stayed wrapped in a blanket all day. Emotionally, it was a strange mix. Part of me felt relief that the procedure was over, but there was also this quiet anticipation about what was happening in the lab.

Even though I wasn’t doing anything actively, knowing that something important was still unfolding gave the day meaning. I focused on resting, letting my body recover, and reminding myself that I’d done everything I could.

Tip:
Treat today as a proper recovery day. Drink plenty of fluids, eat soft nourishing food, and stay close to home. Let your body guide the pace—and trust that your eggs are in expert hands.

Day 11: Your results and what’s next

Pam:
Today, you’ll get a call from the lab. They’ll let you know how many eggs were mature and have been successfully frozen. This is a key milestone in your journey. We’ll explain everything clearly—what your number means, and what it might offer you in the future.

Once frozen, your eggs are cryopreserved for up to 55 years here in the UK. You don’t have to make any decisions right away. In time, you can choose to return and fertilise them with a partner’s sperm or donor sperm, depending on your circumstances and wishes.

Rebecca:
Hearing how many eggs had been frozen made it all feel real. I remember holding my breath when I answered the call, but the embryologist was calm, kind, and explained everything so clearly. Whatever the number, I felt proud, because those eggs represented something bigger: a choice I’d created for my future self.

I started to feel more in control of my fertility, maybe for the first time. It didn’t take away every worry, but it did give me space, options, and peace of mind. That’s what I came here for.

Tip:
Take a moment today to reflect on what you’ve achieved, not just physically, but emotionally. Freezing your eggs is an act of strength and self-preservation. However you’re feeling, let yourself acknowledge the power in giving your future self more choice.

Interested in finding out more about egg freezing?

Set up a call with our Patient Services team and they can walk you through exactly what to expect, and provide you with costings.