What Happens During Egg Retrieval? A Complete Guide for IVF Patients

• Rohit saini
• 28 November 2025

What Happens During Egg Retrieval? A Complete Guide for IVF Patients

One of the most crucial phases in the IVF process is egg retrieval. This process removes mature eggs from the ovaries so they can be fertilized in a lab following days of ovarian stimulation and observation. Egg retrieval is rapid, safe, and typically painless, despite the fact that the thought of a medical procedure may be unsettling. You can feel less anxious and be ready for a seamless encounter if you know exactly what goes on.

1. Prior to the trigger shot for egg retrieval

Your doctor will arrange for the egg retrieval once your follicles are the proper size.
About 34 to 36 hours prior to the surgery, you will receive a “trigger shot” (hCG or GnRH agonist).
This shot aids in the eggs’ full maturation.

Abstaining from food

Because anesthesia is utilized, you will be encouraged to abstain from meals and liquids for six to eight hours before to the treatment.

Reaching the Clinic

After you arrive:

Your vital signs are measured.

You put on a surgical robe.

You get to know the embryology staff and anesthetist.

2. The Method for Retrieving Eggs

Egg retrieval typically takes 15 to 20 minutes and is done in a separate operating room.

Light anesthesia or sedation

You will be slightly sedated, so:

There won’t be any pain.

You won’t recall the process.

When it’s finished, you’ll wake up with ease.

How Eggs Are Gathered

The physician use safe and accurate transvaginal ultrasound guidance.

Procedure:

The vaginal wall is penetrated by a tiny, hollow needle.

Every mature follicle is reached by the needle.

The follicle’s fluid is drawn out via suction.

The eggs are gathered into test tubes and contained in this fluid.

To detect and separate the eggs, embryologists look at the fluid under a microscope right away.

The entire process is swift, controlled, and delicate.

3. What Takes Place with the Eggs Following Retrieval?

In the laboratory:

Eggs are tallied

Their degree of maturity is assessed.

They are kept in incubators designed to replicate natural environments.

Your treatment plan will determine how fertilization is carried out.

IVF (using sperm to fertilize eggs)

ICSI (injecting one sperm straight into each egg)

The development of the embryo begins at this point.

4. Recuperation Following Egg Retrieval

In 20 to 30 minutes, you will awaken in a recovery room.

Potential Signs

It’s typical to encounter:

Slight cramps

Bloating

Spotting light

Anesthesia-related drowsiness

Usually, these symptoms go away in 24 to 48 hours.

Instructions for Care

Typically, doctors advise:

Spend the rest of the day relaxing.

5. Potential Hazards (Uncommon but Significant)

Although egg retrieval is extremely safe, uncommon issues could include:

An infection

Bleeding

OHSS, or ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome

Anesthesia-related reaction

An experienced IVF team and appropriate monitoring reduce these risks.

In conclusion

In IVF, egg retrieval is a quick, secure, and crucial process. The majority of women find it much simpler than anticipated. The procedure is efficient and comfortable because to sedation, professional care, and delicate technique. As you go to the next thrilling stage—fertilization and embryo development—knowing what to anticipate keeps you prepared and confident.