In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a complex and often emotionally draining process, but it can be very rewarding for individuals and couples struggling to conceive. One of the most important steps in IVF is the egg retrieval procedure, also known as oocyte retrieval.
This article covers everything you need to know about egg retrieval during IVF, including what it entails, why it’s necessary, and what you can expect during the procedure. We’ll also discuss the risks and side effects of egg retrieval and the success rates of IVF.
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a fertility treatment that involves fertilizing an egg outside the body in a laboratory. This assisted reproductive technology (ART) method can help people with infertility achieve a successful pregnancy.
IVF is a multi-stage process that begins with fertility testing to assess the reproductive health of both partners. This testing may include blood work or a vaginal ultrasound. Once the initial testing period is complete and the fertility specialist gives the go-ahead for IVF, the person undergoing IVF will start preparing for ovarian stimulation.
Whether or not a person is a good candidate for IVF depends on various factors, including:
Additionally, IVF can be recommended for same-sex couples or single people who want a biological child but may need help with fertilization.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to undergo IVF is a personal one. There’s no right or wrong answer. As long as the individual or couple is informed about the process, the potential risks involved, and the chances of success, they can make an educated decision that aligns with their goals and values.
IVF success rates can vary based on several factors, including the person’s age, the quality of the eggs, the cause of infertility, and the experience of the fertility clinic.
According to the CDC, the following are the average percentage of ART cycles that lead to live birth (using fresh, non-donor eggs or embryos) for people of different ages:
The Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART) collects and publishes data on IVF success rates from fertility clinics across the United States. To learn about the success rates for the RMA clinic closest to you, please select your office; we think you’ll be pleasantly surprised by how we stack up.
Please note that comparing clinic success rates may not be meaningful because patient medical characteristics, treatment approaches, and entry criteria for ART may vary from clinic to clinic.
Following ovarian stimulation, egg retrieval is the second step in the IVF process. It’s a minimally invasive surgical procedure performed under sedation or general anesthesia in a fertility clinic or hospital setting.
During egg retrieval, the fertility specialist very carefully collects eggs from the ovaries using a needle that’s guided by ultrasound. The eggs are then examined and selected based on their maturity.
Here is a step-by-step overview of the egg retrieval procedure:
Before the procedure, it’s essential to follow the instructions provided by the fertility clinic. Some steps may include fasting 12 hours before the procedure and arranging transportation afterward.
The specialist may also ask patients to:
Timing is everything in the egg retrieval process, so be sure to arrive early.
The egg retrieval procedure is relatively quick, lasting around 10 minutes. It’s performed exactly 36 hours after the patient’s last human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) injection, known as the “trigger shot.”
Before the procedure, an anesthesiologist will administer general anesthesia or sedation to ensure comfort and minimize potential anxiety or discomfort.
Once sedated, the fertility specialist inserts a needle through the vagina and guides it using an ultrasound probe into the ovarian follicles to retrieve the eggs. The eggs are collected in a test tube and transported to an IVF lab. In the IVF lab, the embryologist looks under a microscope to determine if an egg is present in the follicular fluid. The eggs are then placed in a culture dish until ready for sperm insemination, where fertilization occurs.
Fertilization can be done by conventional insemination or ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection).
Most patients can return home within an hour after the egg retrieval procedure. During recovery, it’s normal to experience some mild cramping or bloating, but this usually subsides within a few days.
The specialist may prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection and provide pain medication, such as Tylenol or ibuprofen, to help manage any pain.
Here are some additional tips to help facilitate a smooth recovery after egg retrieval:
The eggs remain under the careful monitoring of embryologists to track their development. This is typically done for three to five days or until they reach the blastocyst stage of development. RMA offers extended embryo cultures for up to seven days for more comprehensive monitoring and selection of the best-quality embryos.
If the patient opts for preimplantation genetic testing (PGT), the embryologist gently removes about five cells from a part of the embryo that will go on to make the placenta. Embryo biopsy has been shown to be a safe procedure that does not harm the embryo or the baby that develops from it. After the testing, the fertilized eggs are frozen or transferred to the uterus for implantation.
Frozen embryo transfer (FET) is the standard of care for all IVF patients at RMA. This involves freezing the embryos using a process called vitrification, which is a rapid freezing technique that preserves their viability.
The average number of eggs retrieved during IVF varies from person to person. It can depend on age, ovarian reserve, and response to fertility medications.
Generally, the average number of eggs retrieved during IVF is between eight and 15. However, some people may retrieve fewer than eight eggs, while others may retrieve more than 15. Individuals with PCOS, for example, can have more than 40 eggs retrieved at one time.
While there’s no “good” number of eggs retrieved during IVF, having 10 to 12 mature eggs will give any person a good chance at having at least one normal embryo for transfer. This equates to a 65% chance of a successful pregnancy. A person with three normal embryos has a 95% chance of a successful pregnancy.
Like any medical procedure, egg retrieval during IVF has risks and potential side effects.
Potential side effects of egg retrieval include:
Potential risks of IVF include:
Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is a rare but serious complication of IVF. It occurs when the ovaries swell and leak fluid into the body, causing abdominal pain and bloating.
OHSS can be mild or severe. If your physician suspects that you might be at high risk for severe OHSS, different trigger shots can be used to minimize the chance of severe OHSS.
Symptoms of mild OHSS include:
Symptoms of severe OHSS include:
In severe cases, OHSS can be life-threatening. However, most OHSS symptoms subside within seven to 10 days after fertility treatment.
People with any of the above symptoms should contact their healthcare provider immediately for further evaluation and guidance.
Deciding to undergo IVF can be a big decision, and we know it can be overwhelming. We’re committed to providing you with the information and support you need to make the right choice for your family.
If you’re struggling with infertility and considering IVF, reach out to us, and we’ll walk you through the process step-by-step and help you make the best decision for your unique situation. We’ll be with you every step of the way.
At RMA, we understand that IVF is a journey, not just a destination. We’re here to support you every step of the way, from the initial consultation to the final transfer. We’ll provide you with the information and resources you need to make informed decisions about your treatment.
Learn about the next major step of the IVF process in our Guide to Embryo Transfer.