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 considered safe during the egg freezing process, but it's important to note that you should avoid any intense or high-impact activities. Because your ovaries will be enlarged from being stimulated, exercise could increase the risk of a rare condition called ovarian torsion, when the ovary twists on the surrounding tissues.

Gentle exercise such as yoga or walking is recommended. If you are someone who has a serious workout regime, we recommend talking to your fertility doctor about what’s safe.

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.

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 process?

(Gentle) sexual activity is generally considered safe during the egg freezing process, but it's important to be mindful of any potential risks associated with the fertility medications. After all, your ovaries may be enlarged and sensitive. Some fertility doctors may recommend avoiding intercourse or using contraception during certain parts of the process, due to higher risk of pregnancy. This is one you should definitely ask your doctor about.

Note: 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 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!

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!

‍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.