IVF – Egg Retrieval Process

Egg Retrieval Process

The most critical moment that comes in an IVF process is the Egg Retrieval Procedure. In Vitro Fertilization, more commonly known as IVF, has assisted countless women in their journey to pregnancy since its invention. As of today, IVF is the most widely known, and the most effective form of Assisted Reproductive Technology. Couples struggling with conception can go through this process for a relatively higher chance of success at pregnancy.

Many myths surround the Egg retrieval process. However, this process is minimally invasive, quick and essentially painless due to sedation.

The following is a detailed description of the Egg Retrieval Procedure, a thorough understanding of which help in preparation in anticipation of the process:

1. Once multiple follicles containing eggs have formed inside the female body, she receives a final trigger injection to cause maturation of the eggs. These microscopic eggs are inside follicles containing fluid. Around 35 hours after the trigger, the eggs are taken out of the body before ovulation. This particular method is called Transvaginal Ultrasound guided Oocyte Aspiration.
2. The patient is given anaesthesia so that the least amount of pain is felt. For this reason, anyone undergoing this procedure is advised to come empty stomach in the morning, fasting through the night.
3. A needle mounted on the ultrasound probe is inserted vaginally. This needle is used to aspirate the follicles which have formed by the means of injection previously
4. The needle pierces each follicle, and the fluid inside the follicles gets aspirated into a tube. This is the fluid which contains the egg.
5. This tube is then transferred to the embryology lab connected to this procedure room. This tube is scanned by the Embryologist, who will then aspirate the eggs from the fluids and finally keep them aside in a dish. This will later be fused with the husband’s sperm sample to induce fertilization.

Again, this procedure is quicker than one would guess and takes around 5 to 10 minutes. This time length will depend upon factors like the number of follicles that were seen in an ultrasound, access to the ovaries, pelvic anatomy etc.

Post procedure, the patient will regain her consciousness immediately. She would be advised to take rest in the IVF center for about 3 to 4 hours. Once she feels comfortable, she is discharged and free to go home with a set of prescribed medication that needs to be taken before the embryo transfer procedure is carried out. Some things to keep in mind are that the patient might experience mild pain in the lower abdomen and some amount of spotting, both of which are completely normal and harmless and do not impact the result of the procedure.

This minimally invasive process is one part of the IVF procedure, which can be used to treat fertility or genetic problems. Today, if you are going through trouble conceiving a child of your own, IVF is definitely a good option to think and mull over.

To understand more about the procedure, consult Dr. Rhythm Gupta, IVF centre in Delhi. To book an appointment, call: +91-9868040808 or email: drrhythmgupta@gmail.com