Egg retrieval is a medical procedure central to in vitro fertilization (IVF), involving collecting eggs from the ovaries for fertilization. Although often described as minimally invasive, it is a minor surgery performed under conscious sedation or general anesthesia. Because the procedure involves instruments entering the body, following all pre-operative instructions precisely is important for patient safety. These guidelines minimize potential complications associated with any invasive procedure.
The Critical Difference: Bathing Versus Showering
Patients are advised to take a shower, not a bath, before egg retrieval. The distinction between soaking in a bath and cleansing in a shower is rooted in the mechanism of infection prevention. Taking a bath involves submerging the body in water that may contain bacteria from the skin or the tub itself.
When soaking, this water can enter the vaginal canal and sit near the cervix and upper vagina. Since the egg retrieval procedure is transvaginal, any bacteria introduced to this area by the bathwater could pose an infection risk to the pelvic cavity. A shower, conversely, involves a continuous flow of clean water washing away surface bacteria and soap residue.
This mechanical difference is why clinics specify showers only, especially on the morning of the procedure. Avoiding immersion also applies to hot tubs and swimming pools, where the risk of exposure to waterborne microbes is even greater. The goal is to ensure the external genital area is clean without allowing water to pool near the surgical entry site.
Why Strict Hygiene Matters Before Retrieval
Strict pre-procedure hygiene is necessary due to the technique used for egg retrieval: transvaginal ultrasound aspiration. This method involves passing a thin needle through the wall of the vagina, guided by ultrasound imaging, to access the ovaries and aspirate the follicular fluid containing the eggs. The needle passes directly from the vaginal canal into the pelvic cavity.
The vagina is not a sterile environment; it harbors a complex community of microorganisms. While the clinical team performs an antiseptic cleanse before needle insertion, minimizing the bacterial load beforehand is a precautionary measure. Introducing external bacteria into the usually sterile pelvic cavity risks pelvic infection, which can complicate recovery and affect fertility outcomes.
By maintaining a clean external environment, the procedure’s inherent risk of microbial introduction is reduced. This is standard protocol for invasive procedures, ensuring the surgical field is as clean as possible before the skin barrier is breached. Adhering to these hygiene restrictions supports the goal of a complication-free procedure.
Essential Pre-Procedure Cleaning Guidelines
Pre-procedure cleaning focuses on thorough cleansing while avoiding products that could interfere with the procedure. Patients are instructed to shower using a mild, unscented soap the night before and again on the morning of the retrieval. The use of highly perfumed or strongly antibacterial soaps should be avoided unless the clinic specifically directs the use of a surgical scrub like chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG).
Following the shower, it is important to strictly avoid applying any products to the skin. This includes body lotions, creams, powders, perfumes, deodorants, or makeup. The chemical residues from these items can interfere with the sensitive monitoring equipment used by the anesthesiologist, such as monitoring pads placed on the skin.
Furthermore, nail polish, whether on fingernails or toenails, must be completely removed before the procedure. The pulse oximeter, a device placed on a finger to monitor oxygen saturation, uses light to measure blood oxygen levels. Polish can block or distort the reading, making accurate anesthesia monitoring difficult.