Egg retrieval is a routine step in fertility treatments like in vitro fertilization (IVF) and egg freezing. Patients are typically not awake during this procedure, as various sedation methods ensure comfort and immobility.
Understanding Anesthesia Choices
Several types of anesthesia are commonly used for egg retrieval to provide pain relief, reduce anxiety, and ensure the patient remains still.
Monitored Anesthesia Care (MAC), also known as moderate or deep sedation, is a common choice. This involves administering intravenous medications to induce a deeply relaxed state where patients generally do not recall the procedure. Conscious sedation is another option, where patients remain awake but are relaxed and comfortable.
Medications like propofol, often combined with pain relievers such as fentanyl or midazolam, are commonly used. Propofol works quickly to induce sleepiness. General anesthesia may be used if a more extensive procedure is anticipated, rendering the patient completely unconscious. An anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist monitors vital signs throughout the procedure.
Your Experience During Egg Retrieval
Patients can expect no pain or discomfort during egg retrieval due to the administered sedation. Most individuals will have little to no memory of the process. After receiving anesthetic, often through an intravenous line, patients typically drift into a sleep-like state.
The procedure itself is relatively quick, usually lasting between 10 to 30 minutes, depending on the number of eggs to be retrieved. While under sedation, a clinician uses ultrasound guidance to insert a thin needle through the vaginal wall into each ovary to collect the eggs from the follicles. Upon completion, medication is gradually reduced, allowing the patient to slowly awaken.
Preparing for Your Procedure
Preparation for egg retrieval involves following specific instructions. Patients are advised to refrain from eating or drinking for at least six to eight hours before the procedure. This fasting period helps prevent complications, such as vomiting, while under sedation. Clear liquids are permitted up to a few hours before.
Patients should discuss all current medications, including prescription, over-the-counter drugs, and supplements, with their doctor or anesthesiologist beforehand. Certain medications, such as blood thinners and some non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), may need to be temporarily stopped or adjusted. Arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home after the procedure, as lingering anesthesia effects can impair driving.
What Happens After Egg Retrieval
Following egg retrieval, patients are moved to a recovery area. It is common to experience grogginess, mild disorientation, or a woozy sensation as consciousness returns, which usually subsides within a few minutes to a few hours. Nurses monitor vital signs and provide immediate post-operative care.
Mild abdominal cramping, similar to menstrual discomfort, and a feeling of fullness are common sensations. Light vaginal spotting or bleeding may also occur for a day or two. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen, are sufficient to manage any discomfort. Most individuals can expect to resume light activities the day after, with full recovery from anesthesia within 24 hours.