23/07/2026
What actually happens during Egg Retrieval?" :
It's completely normal to feel nervous about any medical procedure but knowing what to expect can make a difference. Let's demystify the Egg Retrieval process;
The most crucial step is the Pre-Retrieval Prep; before the big day, you must have taken injections for several days to grow the follicles, series of ultrasound scans to monitor the follicular growth and finally the trigger shot.
The trigger shot helps with the final maturation of the eggs and sets the clock for retrieval.
1. Arrival and comfort: Upon arrival at the clinic, you will be prepared for the procedure by the fertility nurse. Thereafter you will be taken into the theatre and a conscious sedation is done. The aim of the sedation is to get you completely relaxed, sleep and pain free during the whole procedure.
2. Aspiration: Once you sound asleep and relaxed, the doctor will perform a transvaginal ultrasound scan with a probe and a needle guide attached to the the probe
Guided by the ultrasound image on the screen of the scan, the needle will be introduced / passed into each o***y to aspirate follicles gently.
Noted: This process takes about 15-20mins or more depending on the number of follicles available, accessibility of the ovaries and the expertise of the fertility physician.
3. Egg picking/sorting: This is performed by the Embryologist in the IVF lab. As the doctor retrieves the aspirate, he hands it over to the Embryologist, who then scout for the eggs under the microscope.
Before you wake up to full recovery, usually the exact number of eggs that were retrieved is ready.
4. Recovery: You spend about 30mins- 50mins in the recovery waiting for the sedation to waer off. Thereafter you will be reassessed and then allowed to go home.
What to expect after; light cramping , mild bloating, pain.
Every step of this journey takes courage.
Egg retrieval is a major milestone and so it's expected that the team be by side to keep you safe and comfortable.
If you have questions about IVF, IUI or Egg Retrieval, drop them in the comment section- we are happy to help.
