IVF Egg Retrieval: What to Expect
This is a big day in an IVF cycle. By the time it comes around you have injected and stimulated for weeks, had more blood tests and ultrasounds than you care to remember and are likely feeling quite a bit uncomfortable. You may be curious to know what actually happens at this procedure.⠀
Egg Collection: What to Expect
Generally, you are taken into the surgical room (often used for the transfer too), and either lightly sedated or fully sedated; depending on the clinic, some people have said they remain awake for the entire procedure, although you won’t feel any pain. Many of you described it as an amazing nap!⠀
The Doctor ⠀
Will insert a Wanda-like ultrasound probe with a long needle attached alongside it. Once he can visualize the ovaries and the follicles, he will begin to guide the needle through the wall of the vagina and into a follicle. With the use of a foot pedal (just like a sewing machine!), the fluid is drawn out of the follicles. This fluid travels through a thin tube into warmed test tubes which are then handed to the Embryologist.⠀
The Embryologist
We carefully pour the liquid into Petri dishes and observe it under the microscope. Sometimes, the eggs ‘glow’ under the light of the microscope and are nice and fluffy which are easy to be seen. Sometimes, they can be quite a bit harder to find. These eggs are washed in a fluid that is composed to be similar to the fluid found in the Fallopian tubes. At the end of the egg collection, the eggs are all placed inside dishes which have been specially created for you with your details. These are left until they will be inseminated with IVF or ICSI 4-6 hours later.⠀
Patient (You)
Will get taken out of surgical room and go into recovery where you get to have a lovely nap while recovering from your procedure. Nurses will look after you as you wake up and you get to go home after a few hours.
Everyone’s experiences are different and just like anything in life, there are risks and potential complications, but many of you described it as the best nap of your life.
-Kristen @ilikemyeggsfertilised
Medical Disclaimer:
The information provided in this blog is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider or qualified medical professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this blog.
