IVF Egg Retrieval (Complete Process and Procedure)

IVF Egg Retrieval Process: What To Expect Before, During, & After

When couples face difficulty conceiving, they might turn to IVF. During IVF, eggs are collected from the woman's ovaries and combined with sperm in a lab to create embryos. Process of collecting eggs/oocytes from women is known as egg retrieval. This procedure is performed under anaesthesia, using a special fine needle with ultrasound guidance. Skilled medical professionals and precise handling are essential for a successful outcome during this stage. In IVF, eggs are retrieved from the ovaries, fertilised with sperm, and then embryos are implanted into the uterus. Individuals can freeze eggs for future use, preserving fertility. Others donate eggs to help someone else conceive.

Dr Meenakshi Dua, Director ART Fertility Clinics

- 5 min read

Apr 03, 2024

What is Egg Retrieval?

Egg retrieval is a crucial step in fertility treatment where eggs are collected from a woman’s ovaries and combined with sperm to create embryos for implantation in the uterus, with the ultimate goal of successful IVF treatment and achieving pregnancy.

Egg Retrieval Process

Here is the complete egg retrieval process: The egg retrieval procedure typically takes 30 to 60 minutes. The procedures for the egg retrieval process are listed below.

First, the woman takes special medicines/injections to help her ovaries make lots of eggs, ideally around 15 eggs. The Woman takes fertility medications for about two weeks to stimulate the ovaries to develop multiple mature eggs.
The doctors check on the response with tests and scans to see when the eggs are ready.
When the eggs are just right, she gets a special shot for final stage of maturation of eggs and ready for release.
However, just an hour before egg release,
Using ultrasound guidance and short general anesthesia, a needle is inserted through the vaginal wall to the ovaries to retrieve the eggs.
This procedure usually takes 15-20 minutes. Patient is usually awake post procedure and gets discharged within 2-3hr after egg retrieval.
Lab Work: eggs cannot be seen with naked eyes. Follicular fluid is aspirated from ovaries from patient and handed over to embryologist. They look for eggs under a microscope and separate them from fluid for fertilization with sperm.

Egg Retrieval Recovery and Post Op Care

Immediate care: Patient is kept nil per oral for 4hrs after procedure. Clear fluids are given after 4hrs. In case patient tolerates it well, semi solid diet can be given and patient is discharged. Sometimes one can have vomiting or dizziness post general anesthesia lasting for few hours.

After discharge: Patient is discharged on antibiotics and painkillers. They can have normal diet at dinner. They are not allowed to drive immediately after the procedure. They can resume office after 24hrs.

Risk and Success Rates: While the procedure is typically safe, there is minimal risk of possibility of bleeding, infection, or ovarian hyperstimulation (OHSS). These all complications can be easily diagnosed and treated. Most of the clinics now a days are OHSS free clinics. This complication is expected in women with eggs >15 usually. Preventive measures taken on time can negate this complication.

Success rates for egg retrieval procedure. Younger women tend to have better chances. Other health issues or fertility problems may lower success rates. The quality of eggs collected is important. Overall, egg retrieval surgery with IVF offers hope for having a baby, but it’s good to talk to doctors about what to expect.

Egg Retrieval Side Effects

Egg retrieval, a common procedure in fertility treatments, can have some side effects.

After the procedure, you might experience mild cramping, bloating, or spotting. Some women fatigue or have a sore lower abdomen.

You may also feel emotional changes due to hormone medications used during the process.

Drinking plenty of fluids, resting, and following your doctor’s instructions can help manage these side effects.

Conclusion

In the journey of fertility treatment, egg retrieval is a step. Medical experts collect eggs from the ovaries. Then, fertilize them with sperm externally to increase the chances of a pregnancy. The precision and expertise required for this procedure highlight its importance in assisted methods. Each phase, from stimulation to egg retrieval, is carefully monitored to enhance the probability of success for parents.