Egg Retrieval
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Egg retrieval is an office procedure during which partners are invited to be present. Using ultrasound as a guide, a thin needle is passed through the top of the vagina and into the ovarian follicles. This nonsurgical procedure is possible because the ovaries are located directly next to the vagina. The needle enters the follicles and removes the follicular fluid which contains the eggs. The fluid is then examined under a microscope to identify the eggs.
Egg retrieval can take anywhere from 15 to 45 minutes. Medications are used to relieve the pain of the needle, but many women cannot feel the eggs and follicular fluid being drawn. Most likely, you will feel a short menstrual-like cramp when the needle is passed through the top of the vagina – once for each ovary. Because of the pain medications you will receive that day, you should not drive. Egg retrieval is a very safe procedure and serious complications are rare.
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