It is easy to become confused about the sequence of the several stages of a fresh In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) cycle. The second stage of the IVF procedure, the egg retrieval, is a simple outpatient surgical procedure performed while the patient is under local anesthesia. At IVF1, the egg retrieval procedure is performed in the comfort and care of licensed surgical outpatient center in the brand new Naperville Fertility Center.

Egg Retrieval Stage of IVF

The traditional IVF procedure consists of 5 main steps and egg retrieval is the second stage the process:

• Stimulation of the growth and development of multiple egg follicles within the ovaries using fertility drugs
• Surgical removal of matured eggs from the ovaries through an aspiration technique performed under local anesthesia
• Fertilization of the retrieved eggs in vitro – in a controlled laboratory setting
• Embryo culture and monitoring of growth and development in vitro for up to 5 days (blastocyst stage)
• Transfer of a predetermined number of quality embryos to the woman’s uterus

hCG Ovulation Trigger InjectionOnce the egg follicles have been determined to have reached a prime stage of maturation, a human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is injected to induce ovulation – release the egg from the ovary – just prior to the scheduled surgical retrieval of eggs.Surgical Egg RetrievalThe surgical egg retrieval is performed by passing a hollow needle through the wall of the vagina into the ovary. The needle is guided into the ovary with the use of a vaginal ultrasound probe. This fluid of egg follicle is aspirated and deposited into a test tube. Once in the in vitro laboratory, the fluid is examined under a microscope and the egg is located. The eggs are then combined with a highly concentrated, motile sperm specimen in a petri dish to encourage fertilization. Or, each egg is individually injected with a single sperm – Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection – ICSI.Post Egg Retrieval ProcedureAfter the egg retrieval procedure, the patient should bed rest for the remainder of the day. She can resume normal activities the day after the procedure without worry of complications. However, heavy physical activity should be avoided.

Discover More About the Egg Retrieval Process at IVF1

Be proactive and learn which IVF treatment plan will give you the best chances of pregnancy success by scheduling a consultation with renowned fertility specialist, Dr. Randy S. Morris. Dr. Morris is the founder and medical director of the celebrate IVF1 fertility center. IVF1 is located in the brand new, state-of-the-art Naperville Fertility Center.Schedule your consultation with Dr. Randy S. Morris by calling 630.357.6540.