Was the IVF process physically painful for you?

I wouldn’t describe IVF as extremely painful, but it definitely wore me down physically by the end of it.

The injections themselves were manageable for me after the first few days. The harder part was feeling constantly bloated and uncomfortable during stimulation. Near retrieval, my ovaries felt so full that even turning in bed felt strange.

Egg retrieval was easier than I expected because of the sedation, but I was sore and crampy afterward for a couple days. The progesterone shots later on were probably the most physically irritating part for me because the soreness builds up over time.

I think the emotional side amplified everything too. When you’re anxious, waiting for updates, barely sleeping properly, every physical sensation feels bigger.

Some women go through IVF fairly smoothly, others have a rough time with side effects, so it really varies. But I do wish people talked more honestly about how draining the whole process can feel, not just the medical side of it.