What Is Egg Retrieval?

Egg retrieval is a short outpatient procedure that follows ovarian stimulation. After taking hormone medications to help multiple eggs grow, the next step is to retrieve those eggs from the ovaries so they can either be fertilized (in IVF) or frozen for future use.

This is one of the most important phases in fertility treatment, and fortunately, it’s typically very quick, safe, and well-tolerated.

Step-by-Step: What Happens on Egg Retrieval Day

1. Arriving at the Clinic

Patients are asked to arrive at the clinic with an empty stomach, no food or drink the morning of the procedure. This is important to ensure safety under sedation. Once you check in, the team will prepare you for the procedure and make sure you're comfortable.

2. Anesthesia and Comfort

The procedure is performed under IV sedation, meaning you’ll be in a light sleep and feel no discomfort during the process. It’s not general anesthesia, so recovery is faster and easier. Most patients report only mild cramping afterwards, similar to period pain, which is easily managed with over-the-counter pain medication.

3. The Procedure

Egg retrieval is done using a transvaginal ultrasound-guided probe, the same type used throughout your IVF cycle. There are no incisions. Using a fine needle, each follicle in the ovaries is accessed and the eggs are gently aspirated. The entire procedure usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.

4. Recovery and Results

After the procedure, you’ll rest briefly in the recovery area. Once you’re awake and alert, the team will let you know how many eggs were retrieved. You’ll be able to go home the same day, but you should plan to rest and take it easy for the next 24 hours.

It’s important to have someone drive you home, as you won’t be able to operate a vehicle after receiving sedation.

What Happens After Egg Retrieval?

The next steps depend on whether you're undergoing IVF or freezing your eggs:

• If you’re freezing eggs: Only mature eggs are frozen. The lab will assess the retrieved eggs and let you know the exact number of mature eggs frozen the day after retrieval.
• If you’re doing IVF: The mature eggs are combined with sperm through fertilization. The following day, the lab will contact you to inform you how many eggs have successfully fertilized into embryos. From there, embryo development is monitored until transfer or freezing.

Are There Risks Involved?

Egg retrieval is a low-risk procedure, but as with any medical intervention, there are some potential side effects and complications to be aware of:

• Mild cramping or bloating: These symptoms are common and usually subside within a day or two.
• Anesthetic risks: IV sedation is very safe, with a low incidence of adverse reactions.
• Infection or bleeding: These are rare, and when they do occur, they’re usually mild and easily treated.
• Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS): In rare cases, the ovaries may become overly stimulated, leading to bloating, discomfort, and fluid retention. With current low-dose stimulation protocols and advanced trigger medications, the risk of OHSS is greatly reduced and typically self-limiting.

Final Thoughts

Egg retrieval is a major step in the fertility journey, but it’s also a routine and safe procedure with a high level of support and care. Understanding what to expect can help ease anxiety and prepare you for a smooth, successful experience.

At the Fertility Center of Miami, we’re committed to providing personalized, compassionate care to every patient. From your first consultation to egg retrieval and beyond, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.

If you're considering egg freezing or starting your IVF journey, contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about your options.

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