In vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment is a hopeful option for couples who want to have children. However, the egg retrieval procedure is crucial during the IVF treatment process. In this section, information about the egg retrieval procedure used in IVF treatment will be provided.
How is the Egg Retrieval Procedure Performed?
The egg retrieval procedure is a significant step in the IVF treatment. It is a surgical procedure performed under vaginal ultrasound guidance in the IVF operating room. During this procedure, a special needle is used to access the ovaries, and the follicles inside the ovaries are aspirated. The embryologist in the IVF laboratory checks whether there are eggs in the aspirated fluid.
The egg retrieval procedure performed under ultrasound guidance is usually done under sedation. Before the procedure, the patient’s abdominal area is cleaned, and a sterile environment is ensured. Then, using a vaginal ultrasound device, the number and size of the follicles in the ovaries are determined.
During the egg retrieval procedure, the doctor enters the follicles with a needle and retrieves the eggs inside them. This procedure is generally painless, but some patients may feel slight discomfort. The collected eggs are then prepared for fertilization in the laboratory.
After the egg retrieval procedure, patients are advised to rest in their hospital rooms for a few hours. Many patients may experience mild bleeding or abdominal pain after the procedure. This is normal and usually subsides within a few days. It is important to follow the doctor’s instructions and seek support to expedite the recovery process.
The egg retrieval procedure is crucial for the success of IVF treatment. While this procedure gives hope to couples to have a baby, it can also bring many emotional and physical challenges. Therefore, it is important to follow the doctor’s instructions and seek support before and after the procedure.
Preparations Before the Egg Retrieval Procedure
Preparations before the egg retrieval procedure are crucial. Patients typically undergo a series of medical tests. These tests help doctors assess the patient’s health condition and contribute to planning the treatment process. Among the tests, various examinations such as blood tests, ultrasound scans, and measurement of hormone levels may be included.
During the preparation phase for the egg retrieval procedure, patients start using medication to stimulate the ovaries according to the doctor’s instructions. These medications are used to ensure that the ovaries produce multiple eggs in one menstrual cycle. The medications are usually administered by injection or orally, and they are used according to the dose and timing recommended by the doctor. Regular visits to the doctor for check-ups are important during the medication usage process.
Before the egg retrieval procedure, patients need to abstain from sexual intercourse for a specific period. This period may vary depending on the treatment plan determined by the doctor. Avoiding sexual intercourse aims to eliminate factors that could cause early ovulation, the possibility of infection, and factors that could affect the retrieval process.
These preparations made before the egg retrieval procedure are important to increase the chances of treatment success. Patients need to follow the doctor’s instructions and attend regular check-ups to ensure the most suitable conditions for the egg retrieval procedure and increase the chances of treatment success.
Under ultrasound guidance, a gynecologist inserts a specialized needle through the vaginal wall into the ovarian follicle, taking care not to damage nearby organs and blood vessels. The other end of the needle is connected to a suction device. Once inside the follicle, careful suction is applied to aspirate the follicular fluid containing cellular material, including the oocyte (egg). The suction device maintains a pressure of -140 mmHg (necessary for rapid aspiration but not enough to damage the follicles) and maintains a temperature of approximately 37°C. The follicular fluid is then transferred to the embryologist in the IVF laboratory for the identification and quantification of the eggs. The egg retrieval procedure typically takes about 10-20 minutes.
Vaginal egg retrieval procedure is typically performed under sedation, general anesthesia, paracervical block, or sometimes spinal anesthesia. Local anesthesia is generally not used because local anesthetic agents interfere with follicular division and require multiple needle punctures.
The egg retrieval procedure is typically performed after ovarian stimulation, during which the eggs are pharmacologically matured. When the follicles reach a certain degree of development, subcutaneous injection of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is administered to ensure final egg maturation. The collection procedure is performed 34-36 hours after hCG injection when the eggs are fully matured but just before the follicles rupture.
The egg retrieval procedure is typically performed after ovarian stimulation, during which the eggs are pharmacologically matured. When the follicles reach a certain degree of development, subcutaneous injection of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is administered to ensure final egg maturation. The collection procedure is performed 34-36 hours after hCG injection when the eggs are fully matured but just before the follicles rupture.
What are the complications of the egg retrieval procedure? Is it a risky procedure?
Complications of vaginal egg retrieval procedure include injury to pelvic organs, bleeding, and infection. Post-procedure ovarian bleeding, more commonly seen in weak patients with polycystic ovary syndrome, is a potentially destructive and not uncommon complication.
Additional complications may arise due to intravenous sedation or general anesthesia. These include airway obstruction, hypotension (low blood pressure), and aspiration of stomach contents into the lungs.
Pre-existing endometriomas, also known as chocolate cysts, can also complicate the egg retrieval process. When only one follicle needs to be accessed at the top of the cyst, puncturing the cyst during the procedure can lead to abscess formation in the ovaries.
Obesity is another factor that can complicate the egg retrieval process.
This procedure is generally painless, but some patients may feel slight discomfort. Vaginal egg retrieval is typically performed under sedation provided intravenously, general anesthesia, paracervical block, or sometimes spinal anesthesia. Local anesthesia is generally not used because local anesthetic agents interfere with follicular division and require multiple needle punctures.
The egg retrieval procedure usually takes 10-20 minutes. However, this duration may vary depending on the number of eggs and the patient’s condition. Your doctor will provide you with more specific information about the duration of the procedure.
After the egg retrieval procedure, it is generally recommended to rest and engage in light activities. Your doctor will provide you with more detailed information about the resting period. Typically, you can return to normal daily activities within 1-2 days after the procedure.
It is important to follow your doctor’s recommendations after the egg retrieval procedure. Mild bleeding, abdominal pain, or swelling after the procedure may be normal. However, if you experience severe pain, high fever, or heavy bleeding, you should contact your doctor immediately.
Yes, the egg retrieval procedure increases the chances of getting pregnant during IVF treatment. The eggs collected during the procedure are fertilized in the laboratory, leading to embryo formation. The embryos are then transferred into the uterus, increasing the likelihood of pregnancy.
By filling out the form, you can make an appointment with Gynecology and Obstetrics Specialist Prof. Dr. Ebru Çöğendez.
IVF treatment prices usually include factors such as tests, medications, laboratory procedures, doctor examinations, etc. during the treatment process.
IVF treatment is applied to couples who are determined by taking certain factors into consideration.
Factors such as age, health status, choice of treatment center and treatment process can affect success rates.
The stages of IVF treatment usually consist of four main stages. The first stage is the preparation stage.
As with any medical intervention, IVF treatment has potential risks and possible complications.
