Egg Retrieval Day — What to Expect

Egg retrieval is the brief day-care procedure that collects mature oocytes from stimulated ovaries. This page covers preparation, the procedure, recovery, and follow-up.

1. Pre-procedure preparation

Fasting after midnight (no food, no water). Trigger injection administered exactly 36 hours before retrieval. Comfortable clothing. Transport arranged (cannot drive home post-sedation). Partner sperm collection planned (fresh same day, or thawed from previous freezing). Pre-admission identification and consent confirmation.

2. Arrival and admission

Arrive 1-2 hours before scheduled retrieval. Identification confirmed. Vital signs. Anaesthetic review. IV access established. Bladder emptied. Comfortable position. Anti-anxiety medication if needed. Final consent confirmation. Time-out procedure with team confirms patient and procedure.

3. The procedure

Light general anaesthesia or deep sedation. Patient in lithotomy position. Transvaginal ultrasound probe with needle guide. Vaginal preparation. Needle passes through vaginal wall into each follicle, aspirating fluid containing oocyte. Each follicle drained systematically. Procedure typically 20-30 minutes total.

4. In the laboratory

Each aspirate immediately delivered to embryology laboratory. Embryologist locates oocytes from follicular fluid. Mature oocytes identified. Counted. Held in optimal incubator conditions. Awaits sperm preparation for fertilisation. Process happens parallel to retrieval procedure.

5. Recovery

1-2 hours in recovery unit. Vital signs monitored. Sedation wears off. Light snack tolerated. Pain management as needed. Mild cramping common. Bloating from enlarged ovaries persists. Updates on egg count provided by embryologist. Discharge same day with companion.

6. Post-procedure care

Rest day 1. Light activity day 2-3. Adequate hydration (3 litres daily). Avoid intense exercise, heavy lifting, sexual intercourse for 1-2 weeks. Watch for OHSS symptoms — severe pain, breathing difficulty, weight gain. Mild cramping and bloating normal. Pain medication (paracetamol; avoid NSAIDs as may affect implantation) for discomfort.

7. Embryology updates

Day 1 — fertilisation report (how many of the eggs fertilised normally). Day 3 — early embryo development update. Day 5 — blastocyst formation report. Day 5 or 6 — final number of usable embryos. Updates by phone or message. Anxiety during waits is normal — embryologist available for questions.

8. Next steps

Fresh transfer 3-5 days post-retrieval if planned. Freeze-all if OHSS risk, PGT-A, or other indications. Frozen embryo transfer in subsequent cycle. Luteal support started day of retrieval (progesterone, sometimes estradiol). Follow-up appointment to discuss outcomes and next steps if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Dr. Priyadatt Patel

Senior Gynecologist · Advanced Laparoscopic Surgeon · IVF and Endometriosis Programme Lead

MS OBGyn · Pregnancy Care · Advanced Gynaecological Ultrasound · Fertility Preservation

ESHRE / ESGE / AAGL / ASRM guideline-aligned practice. 3D Karl Storz precision technique. Fertility-preservation-first philosophy. Evidence-based decisions, honest counselling, long-term outcomes orientation.