Egg retrieval is a procedure where eggs are collected from the ovaries, serving as a crucial step in fertility treatments such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) or for fertility preservation. This process involves stimulating the ovaries to produce multiple mature eggs, which are then carefully extracted.
Getting Ready for Your Procedure
Preparation for egg retrieval involves several specific steps designed to maximize the number of mature eggs collected. Hormone injections are administered for an average of 10 to 14 days to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs. Regular ultrasound examinations and blood tests are conducted during this time to monitor follicle growth and hormone levels, determining the optimal timing for retrieval. Follicles are typically considered mature for retrieval when they reach about 18-20 mm in size.
A precise “trigger shot” medication is given approximately 34 to 36 hours before the scheduled retrieval. This injection is essential as it helps the eggs mature and detach from the follicle walls, making them ready for aspiration. Administering this shot at the exact instructed time is necessary.
Patients will receive specific instructions regarding food and drink restrictions, typically requiring no food or drink after midnight the night before the procedure. This fasting is necessary due to the anesthesia administered on the day of retrieval. It is also recommended to avoid certain items like perfumes, lotions, and jewelry on the day of the procedure. Arranging for a trusted adult to provide transportation home is also necessary due to the effects of sedation.
The Retrieval Day Experience
On the day of the procedure, patients are usually asked to arrive at the clinic about 30 minutes to an hour before their scheduled time. Upon arrival, individuals will check in, meet the medical team, and change into a surgical gown. An intravenous (IV) line will be inserted in preparation for the administered sedation. The medical team, including the physician performing the procedure and an anesthetist, will review the process and address any remaining questions.
Egg retrieval is performed under sedation, which ensures comfort and prevents pain during the procedure. Many clinics use deep sedation, often involving medications like propofol, which induces a deep sleep while allowing the patient to breathe independently. This type of sedation typically results in little to no memory of the procedure itself. The anesthetist continuously monitors vital signs, including blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen levels, throughout the retrieval.
The procedure involves transvaginal ultrasound guidance, where an ultrasound probe is inserted into the vagina to visualize the ovaries and follicles. A thin needle, attached to the ultrasound probe, is then guided through the vaginal wall and into each mature follicle, where the fluid containing the eggs is gently aspirated using suction. This process is repeated for all visible follicles in both ovaries. The retrieved eggs are immediately transferred to the embryology laboratory for assessment and processing. The entire retrieval procedure typically lasts between 10 to 30 minutes.
Recovering After Egg Retrieval
Immediately following egg retrieval, patients are moved to a recovery area where they are monitored as the effects of the anesthesia wear off. This recovery period usually lasts about 30 to 60 minutes. Mild symptoms are common, including abdominal pain or cramping, similar to menstrual cramps, and a feeling of bloating or fullness. Light vaginal spotting or bleeding can also occur due to the needle passing through the vaginal wall. Fatigue and mild nausea or dizziness may also be experienced as a result of the sedation.
For managing discomfort, over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen are typically recommended. Applying a heating pad to the lower abdomen can also help alleviate cramping. Drinking plenty of water or electrolyte-rich fluids can help reduce bloating. Light, easily digestible meals are suggested to manage any nausea.
Activity restrictions are in place to support recovery and prevent complications. Patients should rest for the remainder of the day of the retrieval. Strenuous activities, heavy lifting, and high-impact exercises should be avoided for about one to two weeks following the procedure. Light walking is generally encouraged to promote circulation. Sexual intercourse and submerging oneself in baths, pools, or hot tubs should also be avoided for approximately one week to reduce the risk of infection. Contacting the clinic is advised for severe or increasing abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, rapid weight gain, or difficulty breathing.