Egg collection is a procedure whereby matured eggs are retrieved by ultrasound. A thin needle under the guidance of the transvaginal ultrasound probe is introduced from the vagina into the ovaries and follicles that harbor the eggs are aspirated. This aspirate is sent to the embryology laboratory and the egg is identified in the fluid.

What should I do prior to egg collection?

You should come to egg collection on an empty stomach on the morning of the day specified by your nurse or doctor. Take a shower before you come.

Is egg collection a painful procedure? Do I need anesthesia?

Egg collection is a relatively well tolerated procedure that can be undertaken with intravenous sedation and local anesthesia. However, if the ovaries are difficult to access your doctor may advise you to have general anesthesia. This will be discussed with you during the ovarian stimulation period.

Are there any complications associated with egg collection?

There may be some pain after the procedure but this usually resolves with simple analgesics. The doctor or the nurse coordinator will prescribe you medications that you may use after egg collection. Complications that arise after egg collection are usually of infectious nature but they are very uncommon (1/3000-1/4500 cases). There may be slight vaginal bleeding that is self limited. If the bleeding is severe please contact your doctor or the nurse coordinator.

How are my eggs going to be fertilized?

This depends on why you do not get pregnant. If there is a male factor infertility then microinjection (ICSI) is required. This is a procedure whereby a single sperm is injected into the egg using an instrument called micromanipulator. If infertility is due female factors classical IVF is done where sperm at a certain concentration are added to the culture medium containing the eggs. Sperm fertilize the egg in a natural manner.

Where are my embryos going to be stored until the day of transfer?

We keep the embryos inside incubators. Incubators are temperature and pH controlled environments that mimic the human body. Each couples’ embryos are allocated a special compartment in the incubator.