From midnight before the egg retrieval you should not have anything to eat or drink, including coffee or water. If you are taking medications for any other reason, talk with your doctor or nurse about taking the medication on the day of the egg retrieval. During the egg retrieval you may be given antibiotics or other medications, so make sure your doctor knows about any allergies or medical problems you have.

The egg retrieval is performed thirty-six hours after hCG injection. You are given sedation by an anesthesiologist through an intravenous catheter, a small tube in an arm vein. You are not completely asleep, but in a sort of twilight state; you remember very little of the retrieval. After you are sedated, the vagina is washed with a salt water solution. A needle is placed under ultrasound guidance into the ovary and fluid and eggs from the follicles in your ovaries are collected into a test tube and sent to the IVF lab. The whole procedure takes about 30 minutes, and discomfort is generally minimal. On average eggs will be retrieved from over two thirds of the follicles.

Click here to view laboratory footage of an oocyte retrieval.

Complications after egg retrieval are rare. Since your doctor can see the needle on the ultrasound and uses the ultrasound to guide the procedure, the chance of a serious problem is small. Unusual problems include internal bleeding, vaginal bleeding, or infection.

Recovery after the egg retrieval is quite rapid. Some pelvic heaviness, soreness, or cramping are common. Spotting is normal, but should be less than a normal menstrual period. Usually the discomfort responds to a heating pad and rest, but pain medication is available. Most women are able to go home within two hours of the procedure. Make sure someone is available to take you home, since you cannot drive a car after sedation or anesthesia.

The male will collect a sperm sample by masturbation the day of the egg retrieval. He should abstain from ejaculation for 2 days (48 hours) to 5 days before giving the sample. Occasionally a second sample on the day of the egg retrieval is required.

At egg retrieval, some of the cells in your ovary that produce progesterone are removed along with your eggs. Progesterone, a natural hormone, prepares the lining of the uterus for the embryos. Some women may not produce enough progesterone to maintain the early pregnancy, so a progesterone supplement may be taken. This continues daily for the next two weeks (and through early pregnancy) by injection, or vaginally by suppository or gel.

Don't plan on doing any work on the day of the egg retrieval. Avoid heavy lifting and vigorous exertion. Walking is fine, just don't overdo it. Avoid tub baths, hot tubs, Jacuzzis, swimming, or immersing yourself in water from the time of the egg retrieval until after your pregnancy test. Take showers rather than baths. Avoid medication except that which your doctor or nurse has asked you to take. Refrain from intercourse for one week after the transfer. Don't use douches, spermicides, or vaginal creams in this time period or throughout the luteal phase. You should not consume alcohol or caffeine during this time.

Keep in mind that we may want to contact you most days during the time from hCG to embryo transfer. Both male and female partners should be available every day for telephone calls and consultations in the rare event that an additional sperm sample is needed, or a change in plans is required. Please keep us up to date on your latest telephone number and location.