Egg Collection

I am going for egg collection for my IVF. What should I expect?

You will be scheduled for egg collection approximately 36 hours after your injection to trigger egg maturation. You will be asked to fast before the procedure.

Egg collection is usually done under general anaesthesia as a day surgery procedure. It lasts for 15-30 minutes. You will be positioned similar to doing a Pap smear, and a transvaginal ultrasound performed to locate your follicles. A fine needle will be inserted through the vagina to tap the follicles and retrieve your eggs. These will be sent to the lab where they will determine the number of eggs collected and the egg quality.

After you wake from anaesthesia, you will be allowed to eat and drink. Your temperature, blood pressure and pulse rate will be monitored. You will be allowed to go home with someone accompanying you (as you cannot drive). You should be able to return to your usual activities the next day, although medical leave for rest will usually be given. 

On the same day, your partner will be asked to produce a semen sample for the lab, where it will be processed and good quality, healthy sperm picked out. 

You will receive information about the number of eggs, maturity and quality of eggs after the procedure, as well as the embryo development process and when to return for an embryo transfer. 

Hormone medications (progesterone support) will be prescribed – this prepares the lining of your uterus to receive the embryos. 

What are the risks of egg collection?

The risks are low as the procedure is done under continuous ultrasound guidance, but can include:

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Injury to surrounding structures e.g. bladder, bowel, blood vessels

What should I do after my egg collection?

It is normal to experience mild cramping and vaginal spotting for a few days after the procedure. Some tips:

• Avoid strenuous exercise or over-exertion
• Do not drink alcohol of caffeine
• Do not go swimming, soak in bathtubs or spa/jacuzzi
• Avoid sex
• Do not douche or insert anything in the vagina (other than the medications prescribed by your gynaecologist)

Do contact your gynaecologist if you experience fever, abdominal pains or heavy vaginal bleeding.

Most importantly, rest, relax, take it slow, seek support from your partner and hope for the best!