Do’s and Don’ts During Egg Freezing: Alcohol, Baths, Exercise, and More

So you’re freezing your eggs - congratulations! This is such an empowering step in your life, and we hope that you can experience the process with positivity and hope for the future. 

We know the process can also be confusing and overwhelming, especially when it comes to understanding what activities are safe and not safe during egg freezing. First and foremost, it's important to understand that egg freezing is a medical procedure and should be treated with the same level of care and attention as any other medical procedure. This means that you should always follow the instructions of your provider and avoid any activities that may put your health at risk.

In this article, we will explore some of the things you can and can't do during egg freezing. Let’s go!

Can I work out while freezing my eggs?

Exercise is generally safe during egg freezing, but high-impact, twisting, bouncing, or intense movements should be avoided to reduce the risk of ovarian torsion, a rare but serious condition where the ovary twists on its supporting tissues.

Workouts to avoid during egg freezing:

🚫 Running – High-impact, bouncing motion increases ovarian torsion risk

🚫 HIIT workouts – Sudden movements and abdominal strain can be risky

🚫 Weightlifting (heavy lifting) – Can place strain on the abdomen

🚫 Pilates & Yoga (certain poses) – Twisting movements may be harmful

Safe exercise alternatives:

✅ Walking – Low-impact and safe for circulation

✅ Light stretching – Avoid deep twists, but gentle movement is fine

✅ Leisure swimming – Avoid high-intensity laps, but gentle swimming can be relaxing

Talk to your fertility doctor about your current workout regimen and if anything needs to be adjusted. Some clinics can also provide a medical note to pause gym memberships if needed. Always listen to your doctors and your body, and prioritize your health during the process.

Can you go to work during egg freezing?

Working during the egg freezing process is generally considered safe, but it's important to be mindful of any physical demands or stressors that may be associated with your job. Your fertility doctor may recommend taking some time off work to rest and recover if you're experiencing any side effects from the medication used in the egg freezing process. And after the egg retrieval, it’s recommended you give yourself time to rest (although I know women who felt fine enough to go back to work!). Most people are able to return to work within a day or two of an egg retrieval.

Read more in Navigating Egg Freezing and Work: A Comprehensive Guide

Can you drink coffee during egg freezing?

Caffeine consumption is generally considered safe during the egg freezing process, but it's important to be mindful of your intake. Some experts recommend limiting your caffeine intake to less than 200 milligrams per day, which is roughly equivalent to one cup of coffee. While most of the research on the impact of caffeine is on pregnancy, we think it’s better to play it safe during egg freezing too. 

Can you drink alcohol during egg freezing?

Alcohol consumption is not recommended during the egg freezing process. Studies have shown that alcohol consumption can negatively impact fertility and may also increase the risk of certain complications associated with egg freezing. The good news is there are loads of EANABs (equally-appealing, non-alcoholic beverages) these days. Try a soda water with lime and no one will bother you!

What about smoking?

Smoking is not recommended during the egg freezing process (or ever!). Studies have shown that smoking can negatively impact fertility and may also increase the risk of certain complications associated with egg freezing. Smoking can decrease the number and quality of eggs retrieved, and increases the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), a potentially serious complication of the egg freezing process.

Can you have sex during the egg freezing cycle?

If you’re participating in our Split program, where you freeze your eggs for free by donating half of the retrieved eggs to another family, you’ll need to avoid sex entirely, since becoming pregnant or contracting and STD would result in your cycle being canceled.

What can you eat during egg freezing?

Eating a healthy and balanced diet is an important part of overall health and wellness, and it's especially important during the egg freezing process. Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and healthy fats can help support your overall health and may improve the success of the egg freezing process. Once the eggs are retrieved, you can indulge in dessert, a cocktail, and resume your normal diet!

What supplements can I take during egg freezing?

In addition to eating a healthy diet, taking supplements may also be beneficial during the egg freezing process. Folic acid, for example, has been shown to improve reproductive outcomes and is often recommended for women undergoing egg freezing. Other supplements such as CoQ10, DHEA, and omega-3 fatty acids may also be recommended by your fertility doctor. It's important to note that you should always talk to your fertility doctor about what you’re taking – and what you want to be taking – before you start egg freezing, as some may interact with fertility medications.

Can I take painkillers during egg freezing ?

Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) are a class of medications that reduce pain, inflammation, and fever. NSAIDs like ibuprofen and naproxen may need to be avoided during your egg freezing cycle as they can interfere with ovulation. Your doctor may recommend alternative pain relief options, like acetaminophen (Tylenol), if needed.

Read more in What Medications Do I Need To Stop Before Freezing My Eggs?

Can you use a hot tub or steam room during egg freezing?

There’s conflicting info here. Some doctors say hot tubs, steam rooms, and saunas should all be avoided during the egg freezing process, citing that they can cause a spike in body temperature, which can be harmful and may negatively impact the success of the egg freezing process. While others say it’s fine. Knowing that there’s always a small risk that public hot tubs are carrying bacteria or can cause allergic reactions, it’s safest to wait until after the egg retrieval. 

Can you take a hot bath during egg freezing?

This is another controversial one – some fertility clinics say hot baths are fine, while others say you should stick with showers. Some providers even recommend avoiding baths from the day of your retrieval and several days after, in order to allow your body to safely heal. Ask your doctor what they think, or just stick to showers to play it safe!

Can I continue my skincare return while freezing my eggs? Are beauty products safe? 

For the most part, you can continue your regular skincare routine during egg freezing, but some ingredients and treatments may warrant caution. While there is no direct evidence that skincare products impact egg quality, some fertility doctors recommend avoiding retinoids (Vitamin A derivatives), hydroquinone, and high concentrations of salicylic acid, as these are commonly discouraged during pregnancy and fertility treatments. If you use prescription-strength skincare products, check with your doctor to be sure they’re safe.

That said, most skincare staples—including hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, niacinamide, and sunscreen—are considered safe to use during the process. Keeping your skin hydrated, protected, and irritation-free is the best approach. If you’re considering chemical peels, laser treatments, or other invasive procedures, it may be best to wait until after your retrieval to avoid unnecessary irritation or downtime. The good news is that your cycle should last no longer than two weeks.

Can I get Botox during egg freezing?

To date, there haven’t been any studies on the impact of Botox or other facial injections on fertility treatments. However, since fertility treatments involve hormonal changes and potential inflammation, some doctors recommend avoiding Botox during the egg freezing cycle, just to be cautious.

If Botox is part of your routine, consider scheduling your treatment before starting ovarian stimulation so you can go through your cycle without concerns. Once your eggs are retrieved, you can discuss with your doctor when it’s safe to resume injections. While there’s no definitive evidence that Botox affects fertility or egg quality, it’s always best to follow the “better safe than sorry” approach when undergoing fertility treatments.

Can I get the flu or COVID-19 vaccine during egg freezing?

Yes, you can receive a flu or COVID-19 vaccine while undergoing fertility treatment, including egg freezing. Leading reproductive health organizations, including ACOG (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists) and ASRM (American Society for Reproductive Medicine) confirm that COVID-19 vaccination is safe for individuals undergoing fertility treatments.

However, you may want to consider the timing of your vaccination to minimize any potential discomfort during key stages of treatment. Some people experience mild side effects after vaccination, such as tenderness at the injection site, fever, headache, muscle aches, or fatigue. To ensure that any symptoms are not mistaken for reactions to fertility medications or procedures, it may be best to schedule your vaccine a few days before or after major milestones like egg retrieval.

Your fertility doctor can provide personalized guidance on the best time to receive the vaccine based on your cycle. 

How soon after egg retrieval can I resume normal activities?

While most individuals can return to light activities within a day or two after egg retrieval, it’s important to listen to your body and follow your doctor’s recommendations. Many people only take off work the day of their retrieval, but if you're experiencing bloating, cramping, or fatigue, giving yourself an extra day to rest can be beneficial.

However, strenuous exercise and heavy lifting should be avoided for at least a week to reduce the risk of ovarian torsion, a rare but serious condition where the ovary twists on its supporting ligaments. Since your ovaries will remain enlarged for some time after the retrieval, intense workouts, high-impact movements, or heavy lifting can increase discomfort and complications.

Here’s a general timeline for resuming activities:
✅ Next day: Light activities like walking or desk work are usually fine.
✅ 2-3 days post-retrieval: Many people feel ready to return to normal daily tasks.
✅ 1 week post-retrieval: Gradually reintroduce moderate exercise, but avoid core-intensive workouts.
✅ 2 weeks post-retrieval: Most people can resume their regular fitness routine if cleared by their doctor.

If you experience severe bloating, pain, nausea, or difficulty urinating, contact your fertility doctor, as these could be signs of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS).

Summing it up

Egg freezing is such an intense (and often expensive) process. In order to get your best outcomes possible, it’s probably better to err on the conservative side. Always follow the instructions of your fertility doctor, and avoid any activities that may put your health at risk. We are wishing you the best!

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Cofertility is in the “family” business, striving to make egg freezing and third-party reproduction more human-centered and accessible for all. Our Freeze by Co program allows you to freeze your eggs for free, when you give half to a family who can't otherwise conceive.