What is Egg Retrieval?
An egg retrieval (also called ovum pick up, or OPU) procedure is performed to transfer eggs (oocytes) from a woman’s ovaries into a laboratory for in vitro fertilization (IVF) or egg freezing.
Before the procedure
Prior to an egg retrieval procedure, medications are administered for 8-12 (sometimes more) days to help multiple eggs mature in the ovaries and control the timing of ovulation. When your doctor determines that it’s time for your egg retrieval, you will administer a trigger medication and your egg retrieval will occur 35-36 hours later.
During the procedure
The egg retrieval procedure is usually performed under light sedation and takes roughly 15-20 minutes. A physician will insert a speculum and ultrasound probe (for visualization) into the vagina, and then a needle will be inserted through the vaginal wall and into an ovary. The needle will pierce each large follicle (fluid-filled sac that hopefully contains an egg) and aspirate the fluid from the follicle into a sterile tube. This is performed for all large follicles. An embryologist searches this fluid and isolates any eggs that are found. These eggs can later be inseminated or frozen in the IVF lab.
After the procedure
There is usually a 45 minute recovery time following an egg retrieval procedure as the sedation wears off. Your physician will review your next steps and limitations, along with symptoms of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). Someone will need to drive you home following the procedure.
