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Egg Collection Procedure
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Treatment involves a medical treatment to stimulate the development of the prospective mother’s eggs. Then, when the eggs reach a certain level of maturity, a different hormonal “trigger” injection is administered to induce final egg maturation. Approximately 34–36 hours after this injection, the eggs must be retrieved [1].
The egg retrieval procedure is performed in operating room conditions, under light anesthesia, with the guidance of transvaginal ultrasound and with the help of a thin needle using negative pressure. The eggs are collected one by one; the procedure is completed in an average of 20–30 minutes, and the patient is discharged on the same day [1, 2].
“ ”Because the egg retrieval procedure is performed under anesthesia, it is painless and short. The collected eggs are evaluated and the high-quality ones are selected for fertilization; this selection directly affects embryo quality and the success of pregnancy.
Things to Consider Before the Egg Retrieval Procedure
Before the procedure, the patient must make the following preparations [1, 2]:
- Fasting rule: Eating and drinking must be stopped at least 8 hours before the procedure. It is recommended to consume light meals the day before.
- Early arrival: The patient should arrive at the center at least one hour before the scheduled procedure time.
- Shower and cosmetics: A shower may be taken before the procedure; however, no cosmetic products should be used.
- Bladder: In procedures performed with transvaginal ultrasound, the bladder should be empty.
- Sexual abstinence: There is no sexual abstinence requirement before egg retrieval. However, if egg and sperm collection will be performed on the same day, 3 days of abstinence may be recommended beforehand.
- Infectious disease tests: The center where the procedure will be performed may request recent Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV tests [1].
For detailed information about embryo transfer, you can review our embryo transfer page.
What Is Done After the Eggs Are Retrieved?
After the eggs are retrieved, they are examined in the laboratory. High-quality eggs are selected and prepared to be fertilized with high-quality sperm [1, 3]:
- Conventional IVF: The sperm and egg are brought together in the same environment, and natural fertilization is expected.
- ICSI (Microinjection): A single sperm cell is injected directly into the egg. It is especially preferred in cases of male-factor infertility and poor sperm quality.
The fertilization process is completed under the microscope within 12–15 hours. Among the resulting embryos, the highest-quality cells are analyzed and transferred to the prospective mother’s uterus. The embryos are gently passed through the cervix with a thin catheter and placed into the uterus [1].
According to ASRM guidelines regarding the number of embryos to be transferred [2]:
- In patients under the age of 35, single embryo transfer (SET) is recommended in the first two treatments
- In all other patients, a maximum of 2 embryos are transferred
This approach reduces the risk of multiple pregnancy while preserving the chance of success.
For detailed information about ovarian stimulation, you can review our ovarian stimulation page.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the egg retrieval procedure painful?
No. Because the procedure is performed under general anesthesia or sedation anesthesia, no pain is felt. After the procedure, some patients may experience mild groin pain or spotting; this usually passes within 1–2 days.
How many eggs is it ideal to retrieve?
The number of eggs may vary from 1 to 35 depending on the individual. Research shows that collecting 10–15 mature eggs is a good target for optimal results. Too many eggs may increase the risk of OHSS, while too few eggs may limit embryo selection.
How important is it to take the trigger shot on time?
It is extremely important. The trigger shot provides final egg maturation, and egg retrieval should be performed approximately 34–36 hours after this injection. A deviation in timing may lead to the retrieval of immature or overmature eggs and reduce fertilization success.
Can both egg and sperm collection be performed on the same day?
Yes. In standard practice, egg and sperm collection are performed on the same day. For sperm samples, 3 days of sexual abstinence may be recommended before the procedure. If sperm cannot be obtained naturally, sperm can be surgically retrieved from the testis with Micro-TESE.
Are all retrieved eggs fertilized?
No. The retrieved eggs are first examined in the laboratory; those suitable in terms of maturity and quality are selected for fertilization. The selected eggs are fertilized by IVF or ICSI. The fertilization rate varies depending on egg and sperm quality; among the fertilized embryos, the highest-quality ones are chosen for transfer.
References
- Showell, M. G., et al. (2023). In Vitro Fertilization. StatPearls — NCBI Bookshelf. NBK562266. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK562266/)
- American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM). In Vitro Fertilization Treatment Journey. ReproductiveFacts.org. (https://www.reproductivefacts.org/patient-journeys/in-vitro-fertilization-treatment/)
- Mouanness, M., et al. (2020). Cumulative Live-Birth Rates by Maternal Age after One or Multiple In Vitro Fertilization Cycles. PMC7139227. (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7139227/)
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). ART National Summary Report & IVF Success Estimator. (https://www.cdc.gov/art/ivf-success-estimator/index.html)