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Egg collection — also called egg retrieval — is one of the key steps in an IVF cycle. It's a short, minimally invasive procedure that most patients find far less daunting than they expected.
Approximately 34 to 36 hours before your egg collection, you'll have a trigger injection — this is a precise step that matures the eggs in preparation for retrieval. Your doctor or coordinator will give you the exact time for this injection.
You'll be asked not to eat or drink from the night before the procedure. Please also arrange for someone to drive you home, as you won't be able to drive yourself after the sedation.
Egg collection is performed under sedation, so you'll be comfortable and won't feel the procedure taking place. Using ultrasound guidance, your doctor uses a fine needle to gently retrieve the fluid from the follicles — which contains the eggs.
The procedure itself typically takes 15 to 30 minutes. Afterward, you'll rest in recovery for a short time while the sedation wears off, and your eggs will be assessed in the embryology laboratory.
Some mild cramping and bloating in the hours following retrieval is normal and usually resolves quickly. Most patients are comfortable resting at home the same day, and many feel well enough to return to normal activities the following day.
Your doctor will advise you specifically based on how the procedure went and how many follicles were aspirated. Listen to your body and don't hesitate to contact your coordinator if anything feels wrong.
Shortly after collection, the embryologist will let you know how many eggs were retrieved. The following day, you'll receive an update on fertilisation. From there, your embryology team monitors the developing embryos closely, keeping you informed at each important stage.
This is general information. Instructions and timing vary by procedure, clinician and individual circumstances; follow your treating team.
