The Egg Retrieval

Written By Vitaly Kushnir

Egg retrieval is a pivotal phase of IVF and fertility preservation, marking the culmination of ovarian stimulation. This minimally invasive procedure retrieves mature eggs for fertilization or freezing. Here’s what to expect at every stage, based on clinical insights and patient experiences.

"The entire egg retrieval experience takes about 90 minutes, but it represents weeks of dedication. When you wake up, you’ll know your egg count—and suddenly, the injections feel worth it."

1. Pre-Cycle Preparation: Setting the Foundation

Timeline: 1–3 months before stimulation

  • Medical Testing: Baseline assessments include blood tests (AMH, FSH, estradiol) to evaluate ovarian reserve, pelvic ultrasounds for antral follicle count, and infectious disease screening.

  • Lifestyle Optimization: Avoid alcohol, smoking, and endocrine disruptors. Prioritize sleep, prenatal vitamins, and stress management to enhance egg quality.

  • Protocol Customization: Your fertility team designs a medication plan tailored to your age, health, and goals (e.g., IVF vs. egg freezing).

2. Ovarian Stimulation: Encouraging Follicle Growth

Timeline: 10–14 days of daily injections

  • Medications: Injectable hormones (Gonal-F, Menopur) stimulate the ovaries to develop multiple follicles. Most start on day 2–3 of their cycle.

  • Monitoring: Frequent appointments track progress:

    • Ultrasounds: Measure follicle size (target: 18–20 mm).

    • Bloodwork: Checks estradiol levels, indicating egg maturity.

  • Adjustments: Medication doses may change based on response. Poor responders might require longer stimulation.

3. Trigger Shot: Timing Is Everything

Timeline: 36 hours pre-retrieval

  • A final injection of hCG or Lupron triggers final egg maturation. Precision is critical—administered at the exact time specified (usually nighttime) to align with the retrieval schedule.

  • Missing or delaying the shot risks immature eggs.

4. Egg Retrieval Procedure: The Big Day

Duration: 15–30 minutes under sedation

  • Pre-Procedure Prep:

    • Fast after midnight (no food/water).

    • Wear comfortable clothing; avoid makeup/perfume.

  • During the Procedure:

    • Anesthesia: “Twilight sedation” (e.g., propofol) ensures comfort without intubation.

    • Ultrasound-Guided Aspiration: A thin needle pierces the vaginal wall to suction fluid (and eggs) from each follicle.

  • Immediate Lab Transfer: Fluid is rushed to embryologists, who identify and clean eggs.

  • Egg Count: Varies by age/ovarian reserve. Average: 5–25 eggs. Younger patients often yield more.

5. Lab Processing: From Eggs to Embryos

Timeline: Hours to days post-retrieval

  • Fertilization: Within hours, eggs are fertilized via:

    • Conventional IVF: Mixed with sperm in a dish.

    • ICSI: Single sperm injected into each mature egg (used for male-factor infertility).

  • Embryo Development:

    • Day 1: Fertilization check.

    • Day 3: 6–8-cell Cleavage stage (suitable for transfer/freezing).

    • Day 5–6: Blastocyst formation (suitable for transfer/PGT embryo biopsy/freezing).

  • Egg Freezing (if applicable): Mature eggs are vitrified (flash-frozen) using cryoprotectants and stored in liquid nitrogen.

6. Recovery: What to Expect Afterward

Timeline: 24–48 hours of rest; full recovery in 3–7 days

  • Immediate Side Effects: Cramping, bloating, or light spotting (similar to period symptoms). Use Tylenol, heating pads, and hydration for relief.

  • Activity Restrictions:

    • Avoid driving, exercise, or heavy lifting for 24–48 hours.

    • Rest with a support person present.

  • Warning Signs: Contact your clinic for severe pain, fever, or heavy bleeding—potential symptoms of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS).

7. Next Steps: Beyond Retrieval

  • Fresh vs. Frozen Transfer: Your IVF team will recommend the best approach depending on factors such as hormone levels, need for uterine recovery and genetic testing.

  • Genetic Testing (PGT): Embryos are biopsied on day 5–7 to screen for genetic issues, adding several weeks to the timeline.

  • The Two-Week Wait: After transfer, pregnancy tests occur at day 14—often the most emotionally taxing phase.

Success Rates & Emotional Health

  • Success Factors: Age at retrieval is critical. For example, eggs retrieved before age 38 have higher live birth rates.

  • Emotional Support: Anxiety peaks during the waiting periods. Seek therapy, support groups, or mindfulness practices.

In Summary

Egg retrieval is a blend of precise science and personalized care. While the physical process spans 2–3 weeks, the emotional journey can be longer. Trust in your clinical team, advocate for your needs, and remember: Each step brings you closer to your family-building goals.

Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for personalized recommendations.

Vitaly Kushnir
Next

Your First Fertility Consultation