All about the egg retrieval procedure

One of the most successful treatments in modern technology of infertility is in vitro fertilization, or IVF. You probably know about the injections, the blood work and the ultrasounds by now. However, what about the egg retrieval procedure? Even though you’ve heard the word retrieval many times in your journey of IVF, you are likely to have questions about it. This step of your IVF course begins with the end of your stimulation cycle and the much looked forward to final “trigger shot,” Ovidrel. After you take your time specific “trigger shot” you will have a day off.

What happens next at the egg retrieval procedure

Once you arrive you will go to a private room before your egg retrieval procedure. An anesthesiologist will give you an IV medication to keep you comfortable. You will not be put to sleep nor will you have a breathing tube placed in your throat. You will go to an OR where your eggs will be aspirated transvaginally under ultrasound guidance, by your physician, and placed in a media that mimics the natural environment of the female reproductive tract.

The egg retrieval procedure last about 20 minutes, you will then be taken back to your private room where your day surgery nurse will monitor you in recovery for about an hour before you go home. Be sure you have someone to drive you home after the egg retrieval procedure. Your partner will collect a sperm specimen the morning of your retrieval. The specimen is prepared by an embryologist and added to the eggs to attempt fertilization. You can expect to be drowsy and feel some discomfort from the procedure; pain medication will be prescribed to relieve any moderate discomfort. You can also expect to spend the remainder of the day relaxing at home.

An embryologist will keep you updated on sperm and egg quality as well as fertilization and embryo quality. Your IVF nurse will call to let you know when to be seen back for your embryo transfer. This will take place three to five days later. Contact us to learn more about the egg retrieval procedure.