What to Expect Before, During & After IVF Egg Retrieval
May 1, 2024
By Dr. Ghadeer Akbar
It’s okay to be nervous about all egg retrieval – you’ve already come this far in your IVF journey, so you’re probably eager to get the eggs you need for embryos. Remember: you’re in good hands. Your team has done this many times before, and are there to support you at every step. Let's talk about what to expect on the big day.
What’s involved?
Before your egg retrieval
When you arrive, you will come to the front desk so they can check you in.
You will then be greeted and taken back to the surgical suite to get prepped for surgery by one of our surgical suite nurses.
You’ll then get your IV inserted, and having your vital signs taken.
Your doctors will chat with you about the plan for the day so you know exactly what to expect.
During your egg retrieval
You will be given anaesthesia via an IV so you will drift off a few minutes after.
Once you are asleep, your doctor will place an ultrasound probe vaginally and look at your follicles on the monitor.
As soon as your follicles are in clear view, the doctor will advance a thin needle through your vaginal wall and into the egg follicle.
They will then use a machine to apply gentle suction and drain the fluid from the follicle. This fluid is collected and examined to count how many eggs were retrieved.
After your egg retrieval
Congratulations – you’ve made it through your egg retrieval! You may feel some side effects, such as bloating and cramps, which should reduce after a few days.
Plan to take a few days off from work so that you can rest and let your body recover.
What to Expect in the Days Ahead
Day 0 (right after surgery)
You'll find out the exact number of eggs retrieved during your surgery (immature and mature eggs).
Day 1
You'll find out the number of mature eggs retrieved, and how many of those fertilized.
Day 3
You'll receive an update on your embryo status.
Day 5
You'll find out how many fertilized eggs made it to the blastocyst (mature) stage.
Day 7 (if you’re doing genetic testing)
You'll find out how many of your blastocysts will undergo preimplantation genetic testing (PGT).
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
Learn more about egg retrieval as part of the IVF process.
How to Book
Find out more on how to book an appointment with one of our fertility specialists today.