What Happens During the Egg Retrieval Process in IVF?

When you are taking your first steps into the world of IVF (In Vitro Fertilisation), one of the most discussed (and maybe a bit frightening) stages of the process is the process of collecting eggs. But do not fret, it is a lot less daunting when you know what it is all about. Here, we will guide you step by step through what egg retrieval involves, why it is done, how to prepare, what to expect on the day and how recovery typically appears.

What Is Egg Retrieval in IVF?

Oocyte retrieval, also referred to as egg retrieval, is a minor surgery done to extract mature eggs from the ovary of a woman. The eggs are subsequently fertilised by sperm in the laboratory during the process of IVF.

This procedure follows ovarian stimulation, in which drugs are administered to stimulate your ovaries to release multiple eggs (rather than the one or two eggs that your ovaries release every month).

The Timeline: Before, During, and After Egg Retrieval

We will divide the journey into three steps to make it easy.

1. Before the Retrieval – Ovarian Stimulation and Monitoring

You will be injecting hormones for about 10-12 days. These include:

• To grow several eggs, FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone) is used.
• The eggs are matured by either hCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) or GnRH agonist trigger when they are ready.

Your fertility doctor will keep track of your ovaries by using blood tests and ultrasounds. Your doctor will schedule the egg retrieval at about 34-36 hours after the trigger shot once the follicles (fluid-filled sacs that carry the eggs) have reached an ideal size (usually 18-22 mm).

It all depends on the timing here, as the retrieval should take place before the occurrence of natural ovulation.

Suggest to Read :- From IVF to ICSI: Essential Fertility Treatments You Should Know

2. The Egg Retrieval Procedure

This is a day care process, and it usually takes 20 to 30 minutes. This is how it works, process by process:

A. Preparation and Anaesthesia

1. You will go to the clinic or hospital with an empty stomach (in most instances, fasting since the previous day).
2. It is performed with the use of sedation or general anaesthesia so that you feel comfortable and do not experience pain.

B. Transvaginal Ultrasound Aspiration

1. Ultrasound is used to navigate a fine needle through the vagina to reach each ovary.
2. The needle suctions out the fluid in every follicle, and with it, hopefully, a mature egg.
3. Then the embryologist extracts the eggs from the fluid using a microscope. 

A normal amount of eggs can be retrieved, which is 8-15, with possible variations, depending on your age and ovarian reserve.

C. Post-Procedure Monitoring

1. Once the eggs have been retrieved, you will spend an hour or so in a recovery room.
2. A majority of the patients are discharged on the same day.
3. There might be some light bleeding or cramping, and this passes in a day or two.

3. After Egg Retrieval – What Comes Next?

This is not the end of the road. As soon as the eggs have been gathered:

• They are judged as mature and reasonable.
• The sperm (your partner or donor) is then injected into the mature eggs either through the traditional IVF or ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection).
• The fertilised eggs are grown in culture, and the highest quality embryo(s) is/are chosen to be transferred or frozen.

Common Symptoms After Egg Retrieval

The majority of women experience no complications during the egg retrieval process; however, a few post-procedure symptoms are entirely natural. These are some of the symptoms you may feel, and when you should seek assistance:

1. Mild Cramping

   1. Experience like period pain
   2. Usually, it begins a few hours after the procedure
   3. Hold up a day or two
   4. Pain relievers such as NSAIDs, e.g. paracetamol (as recommended by your physician) would help.

2. Light Spotting or Vaginal Bleeding

   1. Brown or light pink discharge is the norm
   2. Usually takes a day or two
   3. Panty liners, no tampons, for a few days

3. Bloating

   1. Brought about by swollen, excited ovaries
   2. You can experience feeling full or heavy in the lower abdomen
   3. This may be alleviated by drinking a lot of fluids and strolling.

4. Constipation or Gas

   1. Associated with hormonal drugs and the impact of anaesthesia
   2. Eat more fibre and drink more water
   3. Gas can be relieved by the use of a warm compress or gentle physical exercise.

Is Egg Retrieval Painful?

With the help of sedation or general anaesthesia, you will not experience anything. Post-procedure discomfort might appear, but that is usually short-term and non-serious.

Risks and Complications

Egg retrieval presents a low-risk procedure, although, as with any medical procedure, it has some potential complications:

• Infection: Uncommon, although antibiotics can be administered on a precautionary basis.
• Bleeding: Light spotting is nothing to worry about, but heavy bleeding is very uncommon.
• Damage to adjacent organs: Very unlikely, as a result of ultrasound guidance.
• Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS): The ovaries in some women overrespond to stimulation drugs, and this causes bloating, fluid retention, and tenderness. Severe OHSS is uncommon and is treated in medical establishments.

Final Thoughts

Egg retrieval is the most memorable moment of your IVF. At first, it may be somewhat scary, but keep in mind it is a safe, frequently used procedure that will help you one step closer to your dream of becoming a parent.

Knowledge is the most critical factor in empowerment. It may be helpful to know what to expect so that you can enter the process with clarity, confidence and calm. Remember to keep in contact with your fertility clinic and never be afraid to ask questions; there is no such thing as a silly question where your health is concerned and your journey to parenthood.