The egg freezing journey: a daily support series

2 July 2025

Rebecca Hay

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:

• 💡 Expert daily guidance from Pam, our nurse manager
• 💬 Honest, reassuring reflections from Rebecca, and egg freezing patient
• 🧘‍♀️ 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:
Even though I work in this field, the nurse consultation was a fantastic resource for me and for my loved ones who were supporting me. This session made me and my Mum feel genuinely confident going into my cycle. Everything was explained so clearly, and I loved how personal it felt, not like a one-size-fits-all plan.

Tip:
When your medication arrives, make sure you’ve received everything you need to start your cycle, and check which medication goes in the fridge and which is kept at room temperature. If anything feels unclear, reach out, our nursing team are here to support you.

Cycle Day 2: Your ‘Baseline Scan‘

Pam:
Day 2 (or 3), is your Baseline Scan, where your consultant will assess your ovaries, count resting follicles, and you’ll have your first blood test. This session is also where the nurses will show you how to prep and inject yourself with your medication safely, confidently and calmly.

You’ll have access to our 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. Your results will be reviewed in our Daily Bloods Review meeting to decide if you’re ready to begin stimulation.

Rebecca:
Walking into the clinic for that first scan, I was full of hope and fear. I thought that I would be okay but I suddenly felt strangely alone and asked a friend to come with me at the last minute for support.

My consultant took the time to tell me exactly what was happening, and hearing that they were ready for me to start 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. Every body is different and scan results and amount of follicles might vary in each scan.

If you’re not quite ready to start, that’s completely normal. Your care is personalised very step of the way at The Evewell.

Bookmark and review The Evewell injection tutorial YouTube videos and keep your treatment schedule somewhere easy to check.

Day 2: 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:
When I used to do nurse consultations, I’d always tell patients the injections are never going to be as bad as you think. But as I approached my first one, I worried about whether that would be the case. It was! I was grateful for my clinical training to feel confident drawing up the injections, but for those who don’t, the YouTube videos are really helpful.

But once I got through that first injection, all the ones after were easier. By a week in, it felt like a weirdly normal part of my bedtime routine.

Tip:
Rewatch the videos, so you know exactly what to do, and make sure you’ve got everything you need for the injections. Pop a teaspoon in the freezer to numb the injection site, and try to create a calm moment for each injection. Acknowledge what this step means to you and allow space to feel whatever comes up.

Days 3 Onwards: The medication gets to work

Pam:
On the second day, the medication is beginning to circulate through your system. It’s still early, so you might not feel any major symptoms yet, and that’s completely normal.

Your ovaries are quietly beginning the work of developing follicles, so 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 own head. I didn’t feel anything physically, but mentally I was already fixating on how many eggs I would get and imagining what could go wrong.

I decided to start jotting down how I felt each morning and evening. It helped me track my emotional state and gave me a space to 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.

Early in the Cycle: Mood shifts and hormone changes

Pam:
By now, hormone levels are building, and you may start to notice physical changes. Mood changes (in either direction!) are all common and all 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 energised, sensitive or reactive, this is the hormone shift, not a sign of anything going wrong.

Rebecca:
I remember waking up during that first week of treatment and feeling like superwoman. Everyone reacts differently, but for me, the hormones initially gave me such a boost. I was starting to feel some twinges and slight bloating, but emotionally I was on top of the world.

It was so helpful to see the results of my blood tests after each scan and to discuss them with my consultant, to put my real-life experiences in context.

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 definitely hormonally and emotionally stretched.

Cycle Days 5 – 10: Your 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 reassured me 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, Make sure you know how much medication you have left, so when you have scans you can let the doctor know and won’t run out one evening when the pharmacies are closed!

It takes the guesswork out of a busy, emotional week and helps you stay on course.

Our patients helped us pull together some helpful tips on how they administer and manage egg freezing and IVF medication.

Cycle Days 5 – 8: The emotional dip

Pam:
Midway through the stimulation phase, 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:
The second week for me 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 went for a walk, made a warm drink, and allowed myself a quiet night with no expectations. Again, reminding myself that my hormones were doing exactly what they were meant to do, helped me remember that these feelings would not last forever and were simply caused by the injections.

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 judgment. You don’t need to be upbeat; you just need to be present and kind to yourself.

Here’s an article on how to juggle egg freezing and work.

Cycle Days 10-12: Planning 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 organised event. Check that you have everything you need for your trigger injection and that you know how to administer it. Set a couple of alarms to feel comfortable that you are on time, prepare the injection in advance, and avoid any distractions in the hour leading up. Make tonight special. You’ve done something courageous. Treat yourself with kindness, gratitude, and comfort.

The Day Before Egg Retrieval: 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 tapers off. You’ll be given very clear instructions, such as nil by mouth timings, and when to arrive at the clinic.

Make sure you follow these closely!

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.

The Big Day: The day of egg collection

Pam:
Egg collection is a short, routine procedure performed under sedation. We use ultrasound guidance to retrieve the eggs from your follicles. You’ll rest in recovery for a while, where your consultant or an embryologist will let you know how many eggs were collected, and if they have this information, how many were mature enough to be frozen.

You’ll definitely need a day off work today. Most patients feel tired, sore or bloated, but it’s manageable.

Rebecca:
Waking up in recovery, the first thing I asked was, “How many?” I couldn’t believe how many when they told me, especially still groggy after the sedation. I went home, curled up in bed, and stayed there most of the day. It felt like finishing a marathon.

Tip:
We know it’s hard, but try not to place too much weight on the number of eggs retrieved, or how that compares to what you were hoping for. It’s completely normal for expectations and outcomes to feel misaligned, and that doesn’t take away from what you’ve just done.

Make sure someone is there to bring you home and stay close by. Choose something gentle to eat, and give yourself permission to rest fully.

However it went today, you’ve done something remarkable for your future. That matters more than any number.

After Egg Retrieval: The lab takes over

Pam:
While you’re resting, our embryologists begin their work in the lab, carefully examining 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.

Every egg is handled with care and precision. Although you may not be in the clinic anymore, a huge part of the process is still happening behind the scenes.

Rebecca:
Physically, later in the day, 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 something important was still unfolding gave the day meaning.

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.

The Next Stage: Your results and what’s next

Pam:
On the day of egg retrieval, you’ll 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 or donor sperm, depending on your family planning goals.

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 explain exactly what to expect and provide you with costings.