What to Expect on Egg Retrieval Day ?

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If you’ve successfully conceived through fertility treatment, you might wonder when to transition from your fertility specialist to an OB-GYN. This transition typically happens around 8-10 weeks of pregnancy when the risk of miscarriage lowers, and prenatal care becomes the focus. This article will discuss why the transition happens, what to expect, and how your OB-GYN will support the next stages of your pregnancy journey.

So let’s understand the process that will help you prepare and feel confident in your healthcare team.

Before the Procedure

Your egg retrieval day starts earlier than your appointment time. We recommend arriving 1.5 to 2 hours before your procedure. This allows time for any last-minute paperwork or preparation. This extra time helps ensure everything is in order, so you can feel calm and ready.
As the procedure involves general anesthesia, avoid food and drinks, including water. This should start from midnight the night before. If you’re on any medications, be sure to inform your fertility team, as some can affect anesthesia.
Don’t forget to bring a valid photo ID for both you and your partner. This is essential for sample verification. It also helps in ensuring proper labeling to maintain integrity of your sample.

During the Procedure

Once you arrive at the clinic, you’ll change into surgical scrubs. An IV will be placed to administer anesthesia, ensuring your comfort.
With the anesthesia in effect, your doctor will use ultrasound guidance. A thin needle will be inserted through the vaginal wall to retrieve mature eggs. The procedure in general takes about 20 minutes. You will not feel any pain during the procedure.
For egg freezing patients, once the eggs are collected, they are frozen and stored for future use. A report detailing the number and quality of the frozen eggs is provided, and the eggs can be stored for a tenure of up to 10 years, with the possibility of extension if needed.
In IVF, after egg retrieval, the eggs are fertilized with sperm in the lab through processes like ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection). The resulting embryos are then closely monitored for quality and development before being transferred to the uterus for implantation.

After the Procedure

After the procedure, you will be taken to a recovery area. You will be monitored by the medical team until the anesthesia wears off. This usually takes 1 to 2 hours. Most people experience mild discomfort, similar to menstrual cramps. This usually resolves within 24 to 48 hours.
Some common side effects after anesthesia include dizziness, light-headedness, or nausea. For this reason, it’s a good idea to have someone drive you home. Once home, take it easy and avoid strenuous activity for the rest of the day.
While recovery is usually smooth, it’s important to keep an eye on your health. If you experience severe pain, cramping, or abnormal bleeding, contact your doctor immediately. Most patients are back to their normal selves within 48 hours.

Egg retrieval is an exciting and crucial step in both the IVF process and egg freezing. It marks the beginning of creating embryos for fertilization or preserving eggs for future use. We hope this information helps you feel more confident and prepared. Every part of your journey is important. Taking time to care for yourself can be useful in your fertility journey.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long does the egg retrieval procedure take?

The actual egg retrieval procedure usually takes about 20 minutes. Yet, you’ll spend around 1 to 2 hours at the clinic afterward to recover from the anesthesia before heading home. Your medical team will monitor you to ensure you’re comfortable and ready to leave safely.

Will I feel any pain during or after the egg retrieval?

You won’t feel any pain during the procedure, as you’ll be under anesthesia. Afterward, you may experience mild discomfort or cramping, similar to menstrual cramps. This usually goes away within a day or two. If anything feels more severe, don’t hesitate to contact your doctor.

When can I resume normal activities after egg retrieval?

Most people can return to their normal routine within 48 hours. We recommend resting and avoiding strenuous activities the day of your procedure. Always listen to your body, and if you feel uncertain, reach out to your doctor for advice