Transvaginal Egg Retrieval

Procedure Description

This procedure is performed in patients undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF). Under ultrasound guidance, a needle is inserted through the vagina into the ovaries and the eggs are aspirated.

What to Expect

The egg retrieval is performed 36 hours after the hCG (ovidrel) injection. You will be given conscious intravenous sedation for this procedure. You will not be completely asleep, but will be heavily sedated and generally will have no recollection of the procedure. The procedure takes approximately 30 minutes to perform.

Pre-Procedure

You should not eat or drink anything after midnight the evening prior to the egg retrieval. You will be given an antibiotic, usually doxycycline, to start the day prior to the procedure. Do not take the antibiotic the morning of the retrieval, but resume it that evening. Timing of the procedure in relation to when you received the hCG (ovdirel) is critical. You will be given specific instructions as to when to take the hCG and when to arrive for the egg retrieval.

Post-Procedure

You will be discharged home 1-2 hours after the egg retrieval. Someone will need to drive you home. You will not be able to return to work that day, but should be able to return the next day. You may experience some abdominal/pelvic pain for the next few days. You will be given a prescription for pain medicine to take for this. The IVF nurse will call you the day after the retrieval and give you a fertilization report on the eggs. If you develop a fever or experience pain that is not relieved by the pain medication you were given, you should call our office. It is common to have some mild abdominal bloating and fullness after the egg retrieval. If you develop shortness of breath, weight gain of more than 2 lbs or severe abdominal pain or swelling, you should contact our office immediately.