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IVF and constipation

Maggie_Pim

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Joined
May 23, 2025
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5
I just wanted to share something for anyone new to the IVF journey, constipation can be a surprisingly rough side effect, especially once your ovaries start to swell. IVF and constipation often go hand in hand. For me, it's been the worst part so far. I'm currently on day 8 of stims for my third egg retrieval, and my ovaries feel huge, which definitely doesn't help things move along. I've found that Colon Broom has been somewhat helpful, but I'm still struggling.

If anyone else has tips, tricks, or remedies that worked during stims or retrieval prep, I'd love to hear them.
 
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My wife went through IVF stims last year and struggled with the same issue, her ovaries got really swollen, making constipation worse. She found gentle walks and drinking plenty of water helped a lot, plus fiber supplements, it is pretty tough, but small changes made a difference
 
I just wanted to share something for anyone new to the IVF journey, constipation can be a surprisingly rough side effect, especially once your ovaries start to swell. IVF and constipation often go hand in hand. For me, it's been the worst part so far. I'm currently on day 8 of stims for my third egg retrieval, and my ovaries feel huge, which definitely doesn't help things move along. I've found that Colon Broom has been somewhat helpful, but I'm still struggling.

If anyone else has tips, tricks, or remedies that worked during stims or retrieval prep, I'd love to hear them.
It truly sounds like IVF constipation is no walk in the park, a very common hurdle indeed for many going through stims. @Darwins91 's reply about hydration and gentle movement is valuable, and perhaps discussing a stool softener with your clinic or adding some prune juice to your routine could offer a bit more relief.
 
My wife went through IVF stims last year and struggled with the same issue, her ovaries got really swollen, making constipation worse. She found gentle walks and drinking plenty of water helped a lot, plus fiber supplements, it is pretty tough, but small changes made a difference
Thanks for sharing this, and yeah gentle walks and staying hydrated sound doable, I'll try to keep moving more. I am so glad to hear small changes helped your wife; hopefully, they'll ease my symptoms too
 
It truly sounds like IVF constipation is no walk in the park, a very common hurdle indeed for many going through stims. @Darwins91 's reply about hydration and gentle movement is valuable, and perhaps discussing a stool softener with your clinic or adding some prune juice to your routine could offer a bit more relief.
Thanks for the suggestions, I'm going to ask my clinic about stool softeners and try adding prune juice, anything to make this part more manageable would be a huge relief
 
Been there, done that, survived that. Walking helps, and something warm on the stomach. My doc also recommended I take some probiotics. Also, I read somewhere the magnesium supplements help out a lot, but I'd recommend talking to a doc first.
 
Probiotics and magnesium worked wonders for me during stimulations, especially paired with warm lemon water in the morning. :) But just to be safe, check with your clinic first.
 
Dealing with constipation during IVF? Yeah, that's pretty normal. Things like magnesium, probiotics, and staying hydrated can really get things moving again. Just a heads up, give your clinic a call before you try anything new
 
Thanks for the suggestions, I'm going to ask my clinic about stool softeners and try adding prune juice, anything to make this part more manageable would be a huge relief
Just checking back in on this thread and hoping you're doing well. I see many others have shared some very helpful ideas since you last posted an update. I know your retrieval was scheduled for back in late May. Wondering how you're feeling and if you found a routine that ultimately gave you some relief.
 
Just checking back in on this thread and hoping you're doing well. I see many others have shared some very helpful ideas since you last posted an update. I know your retrieval was scheduled for back in late May. Wondering how you're feeling and if you found a routine that ultimately gave you some relief.
Thanks for checking in! Recovery has been a bit rough, but I've found some relief with Colon Broom and gentle movement. I am still experimenting, but it's much much better
 
Thanks for checking in! Recovery has been a bit rough, but I've found some relief with Colon Broom and gentle movement. I am still experimenting, but it's much much better
Glad to hear things are starting to ease up, even if recovery's been a bit rough. Colon Broom seems to be doing its part and pairing that with movement is a smart combo. If you're still experimenting, did your clinic recommend a stool softener or did you decide to hold off? Also wondering if you've noticed any patterns with diet like certain meals making things worse or better during the day. Hoping the worst of the swelling has passed and you're feeling more like yourself as September rolls in!
 
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