Egg Retrieval Process Explained: What To Expect Before, During, & After

Egg Retrieval Process

Are questions about egg retrieval procedures making you fearful of it? Even while the procedure to remove eggs from your ovaries may seem frightening, it’s quite common and has few side effects.

What is Egg Retrieval?

When a woman is undergoing in vitro fertilisation (IVF) or egg freezing, a surgical operation called egg retrieval is performed to take the egg(s) from her ovaries. Surgery sounds scary, but this process is minimally invasive, which means there are typically no scars, stitches, and a quick recovery.

The egg retrieval procedure is a crucial step toward pregnancy, making it a popular topic of conversation in the world of in vitro fertilisation (IVF). As with any significant action, there may be a frenzy of queries regarding the steps involved and what is required to produce successful results.

What steps are involved in the Egg Retrieval Process?

The egg retrieval operation requires twilight general anaesthesia and lasts 10–20 minutes. You won’t need a machine to assist you in breathing; you’ll be able to do it on your own. But don’t be alarmed!  You will not be able to feel or remember anything that happens during the procedure.

Your medical professionals will do a transvaginal ultrasound during the operation. The ovary is then sought after by inserting a needle into the vagina. A portion of your eggs will be suctioned out by the doctor using the needle. When the operation is finished, the eggs will be immediately preserved according to your demands.

Egg Retrieval Process: What to Expect Before, During, and After the Three Crucial Stages

Although the egg retrieval method is very quick, the preparation phase takes longer. The essential steps in the egg retrieval process are as follows:

Preparing for the procedure 

Most of the steps that will help enhance the quality of eggs retrieved must be carried out 30 to 90 days prior to the procedure. Therefore, while the night before is undoubtedly crucial, the procedure’s success depends on what you accomplished three months beforehand. Regular intake of vitamins and a healthy fertility diet are crucial. Eliminate any foods that lead to inflammation or poor nutrition, and enquire about prenatal vitamins.

The Egg Retrieval Method

As previously mentioned, the actual egg retrieval surgery is a quick outpatient surgical procedure. Most women find the treatment to be painless; however, it may cause minor cramping or discomfort later. You will recuperate following the treatment for a few hours before being discharged to relax at home. 

Accompany someone who can drive you home, as it is not advised to drive for 24 hours after surgery.

Your eggs may be cryopreserved if you have opted for egg freezing. If you’re getting ready for IVF, your eggs and your partners sperm will be combined to make embryos. The embryos will be inserted into your uterus after they are prepared. You can also opt for Preimplantation Genetic Screening (PGS) of your embryos.  If you’re only freezing your own eggs or embryos for later, they will be kept cryopreserved in the fertility clinic to be used when you are ready to start family. 

Dealing with Side Effects

You might suffer some typical and quite natural pain and cramps after your retrieval. The recovery time is significantly reduced compared to a surgery that needs an operating room and a specialist surgical unit because this is an outpatient operation. The majority of women may resume their jobs the following day without any issues. Constipation and weight gain are common side effects in female patients.

Conclusion 

The procedure for egg retrieval may sound like a daunting experience, but when done by experienced and reputable doctors, it can be an easy affair.  Dr Partha Das is one of the best IVF doctors located in Dubai. Having worked at tertiary care facilities for 18 years, dealing with difficult gynaecological, infertility, and genetic problems, he has assisted numerous couples in becoming parents.

Book a consultation with him today.

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Dr Partha Das

Dr Partha Das is a highly skilled fertility/IVF Physician specializing in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility. Dr Partha consults and manages patients presenting with complex gynecological, male and female infertility issues and management of recurrent miscarriage and IVF failures.