Egg Retrieval: Your Complete Guide to the Procedure

Egg retrieval is a pivotal moment in your IVF journey - the culmination of weeks of preparation and the beginning of your embryos' story. Understanding what to expect can help reduce anxiety and ensure you're fully prepared.

Before Your Retrieval

Final Preparations (36 Hours Before)

The trigger shot starts your countdown:

• Precise Timing: Usually 36 hours before retrieval
• Double-Check: Time, dose, and injection site
• No More Stimulation Meds: Last doses before trigger
• Rest Day: Take it easy after trigger

The Night Before

• NPO After Midnight: No food or water
• Remove Jewelry: Including wedding rings
• No Lotions/Perfumes: Can affect egg quality
• Comfortable Clothes: Loose-fitting for after
• Early Bedtime: Good rest is important

Morning of Retrieval

• Arrival Time: Usually 1-2 hours before procedure
• Bring ID and Insurance: Required for check-in
• Support Person: Must drive you home
• Leave Valuables Home: Minimize belongings
• Empty Bladder: Before procedure

The Retrieval Procedure

Step-by-Step Process

Check-In (30 minutes)

1. Paperwork verification
2. Change into gown and hair cap
3. Vital signs taken
4. IV line placed
5. Meet with anesthesiologist

Pre-Procedure (15 minutes)

1. Walk to procedure room
2. Position on table (stirrups)
3. Ultrasound probe inserted
4. Sedation administered
5. Completely relaxed within minutes

The Retrieval (15-30 minutes)

1. Transvaginal ultrasound guides needle
2. Needle passes through vaginal wall
3. Each follicle aspirated individually
4. Fluid immediately checked for eggs
5. Both ovaries accessed

Immediate Post-Procedure

1. Wheeled to recovery room
2. Rest for 30-60 minutes
3. Light snacks and fluids
4. Preliminary egg count given
5. Discharge instructions reviewed

What You Won't Feel

Thanks to conscious sedation:

• No pain during procedure
• No memory of retrieval
• Completely comfortable
• Quick wake-up after

Recovery Timeline

Day of Retrieval

First 2 Hours:

• Grogginess from sedation
• Mild cramping begins
• Light spotting normal
• Rest at home mandatory

Rest of Day:

• Increase fluids significantly
• High-sodium foods helpful
• Heating pad for cramps
• Early bedtime recommended

Days 1-3 Post-Retrieval

Common Experiences:

• Bloating peaks day 2-3
• Cramping decreases daily
• Fatigue improving
• Constipation possible

Activity Level:

• Light walking encouraged
• No heavy lifting
• No intensive exercise
• Listen to your body

Days 4-7 Post-Retrieval

• Most symptoms resolving
• Energy returning
• Bloating decreasing
• Period or withdrawal bleed coming

Understanding Your Numbers

Egg Count Expectations

By Age Group:

• Under 35: 12-20 eggs average
• 35-37: 8-15 eggs average
• 38-40: 5-10 eggs average
• Over 40: 3-8 eggs average

What Matters:

• Quality over quantity
• Mature (M2) eggs for fertilization
• 80-90% maturity rate typical
• Not all eggs fertilize normally

The Attrition Funnel

Understanding normal attrition helps set expectations:

• 15 eggs retrieved: Starting point
• 12 mature: 80% maturity rate
• 9 fertilized: 75% fertilization rate
• 5 blastocysts: 40-50% to day 5
• 2-3 normal (if PGT): 30-60% euploid

Managing Recovery

Pain Management

Recommended:

• Tylenol (acetaminophen) as directed
• Heating pad for cramps
• Gentle movement
• Warm baths (no hot tubs)

Avoid:

• NSAIDs (ibuprofen, aspirin)
• Heavy exercise
• Sexual intercourse
• Tampons (use pads only)

Nutrition for Recovery

Focus On:

• Protein: 60-80g daily for healing
• Electrolytes: Gatorade, coconut water
• Fiber: Prevent constipation
• Anti-inflammatory Foods: Berries, leafy greens

Sample Recovery Meals:

• Breakfast: Eggs with avocado toast
• Lunch: Chicken soup with crackers
• Dinner: Salmon with quinoa
• Snacks: Greek yogurt, nuts, fruit

Warning Signs (Call Immediately)

• Severe pain not relieved by Tylenol
• Heavy bleeding (pad per hour)
• Fever over 101°F
• Severe nausea/vomiting
• Difficulty urinating
• Shortness of breath
• Rapid weight gain (>2 lbs/day)

OHSS Prevention and Management

Risk Factors

• High egg count (>20)
• High estrogen levels
• PCOS diagnosis
• Young age
• Low body weight

Prevention Strategies

• Lupron trigger instead of HCG
• Cabergoline medication
• Freeze-all cycle
• Extra fluids and electrolytes
• Daily weight monitoring

Mild OHSS Management (Common)

• Symptoms: Bloating, mild pain
• Treatment: Rest, fluids, electrolytes
• Duration: 7-10 days
• Outcome: Resolves on its own

Severe OHSS (Rare: <1%)

• Symptoms: Severe pain, can't keep fluids down
• Treatment: IV fluids, possible drainage
• Monitoring: Daily clinic visits
• Prevention: Freeze-all usually recommended

Emotional Aspects

Common Feelings

Relief: "The stimulation phase is over!" Accomplishment: "My body did amazing things" Anxiety: "How many will fertilize?" Vulnerability: "Recovery is harder than expected" Hope: "Our embryos are developing"

Processing Your Numbers

Remember that egg count doesn't determine success:

• Quality matters more than quantity
• One good embryo is all you need
• Every journey is different
• Your body did its best

The Laboratory Timeline

Day 0 (Retrieval Day)

• Eggs assessed for maturity
• Sperm prepared
• ICSI or conventional IVF performed
• Overnight incubation begins

Day 1 (Fertilization Check)

• Morning call with results
• Normal fertilization confirmed
• Abnormal embryos discarded
• Continued culture begins

Days 2-5

• Daily development monitoring
• Day 3: 6-8 cell stage
• Day 5: Blastocyst formation
• Transfer or freeze decision

Preparing for Next Steps

Fresh Transfer Track

If planning fresh transfer:

• Start progesterone day after retrieval
• Monitor for OHSS symptoms
• Day 3 or 5 transfer scheduled
• Continue all medications

Freeze-All Track

If freezing all embryos:

• Focus on recovery
• Wait for period (7-14 days)
• Plan FET cycle
• PGT testing if desired

Communication with Clinic

What to Expect:

• Day 0: Egg count at discharge
• Day 1: Fertilization report call
• Day 3: Development update (sometimes)
• Day 5-6: Final blast count
• Day 7: Any slow developers

Partner's Experience

During Retrieval

• Sperm collection (if using partner sperm)
• Waiting room during procedure
• Support during recovery
• Drive home responsibility

Emotional Support

Partners often feel:

• Helpless watching discomfort
• Proud of partner's strength
• Anxious about results
• Eager to help recovery

Tips from the Community

What We Wish We'd Known

"The bloating is real - size up in comfortable pants" "Constipation is common - start stool softeners early" "The emotional crash after retrieval surprised me" "Having easy meals prepped was essential" "Don't compare your numbers to others"

Recovery Comfort Items

• Comfortable loose clothing
• Heating pad or hot water bottle
• Electrolyte drinks stocked
• Easy snacks prepared
• Entertainment lined up

Celebrating Your Retrieval

This is a major milestone worth acknowledging:

• Your body responded to medications
• You completed weeks of injections
• You underwent a medical procedure
• Your eggs are becoming embryos
• You're one step closer to your dream

Looking Ahead

Recovery typically takes 5-7 days, with most women feeling normal by their next period. Whether you're moving to transfer or taking a break, your body has accomplished something remarkable. Be gentle with yourself during recovery, and remember that temporary discomfort is part of the journey toward your ultimate goal.

TrackMyIVF helps you track your recovery, log symptoms, and connect with others who've just completed their retrievals. You're not alone in this experience, and every sensation you're feeling has been felt by thousands before you.