EXPLANATION OF THE HOURS RECOVERY PROCEDURE

29 October 20243′ read5 sections

CONTENTS

Preparing for Egg Retrieval
The Egg Retrieval Procedure
After Egg Retrieval
Success and Next Steps
Conclusion

Egg retrieval is a crucial step in in vitro fertilisation (IVF). The procedure involves removing eggs from the woman's ovaries so that they can be fertilised in the laboratory. Below is a detailed explanation of egg retrieval, so that you know what to expect and how to prepare.

Preparing for Egg Retrieval

Preparing for egg retrieval involves several steps that are essential to the success of the procedure:

- Medication: Before retrieval, women take hormonal medication to stimulate the ovaries and promote the development of multiple eggs. This usually includes injections of FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) and LH (luteinising hormone).

- Monitoring: During treatment, frequent ultrasound scans and blood tests are carried out to monitor the development of the eggs and hormone levels.

- hCG trigger: When the eggs have reached the desired size and maturity, an injection of hCG (human chorionic gonadotrophin) is given so that the eggs mature fully.

The Egg Retrieval Procedure

Egg retrieval is a short procedure that usually takes 20-30 minutes and is performed under light anaesthesia or sedation. It involves the following steps:

- Ultrasound: The doctor uses a transvaginal ultrasound probe to guide the retrieval needle to the follicles in the ovaries.

- Aspiration: A fine needle is passed through the vaginal wall into the ovaries, and the follicles are carefully aspirated to collect the eggs.

- Egg collection: The retrieved eggs are placed in a special culture medium and taken to the laboratory for further processing.

After Egg Retrieval

After retrieval, women can go home the same day, but it is advisable to have someone accompany them. Some of the symptoms that may occur include:

- Mild pain and discomfort: There may be pain or discomfort in the abdominal area. Painkillers recommended by the doctor can help.

- Light bleeding: Light bleeding or spotting after the procedure is normal.

- Rest: Rest is recommended for the remainder of the day, and strenuous activity should be avoided for the next 24-48 hours.

Success and Next Steps

The eggs collected during retrieval are fertilised in the laboratory with sperm from either the partner or a donor. The resulting embryos are cultured for a few days before the best are selected for transfer to the uterus or for cryopreservation.

Conclusion

Egg retrieval is an important step on the path through IVF towards pregnancy. Understanding the procedure and preparing for it can help reduce anxiety and improve the chances of success. If you have any questions or concerns about egg retrieval or other fertility procedures, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are here to give you the support and guidance you need at every step of the process.

TAGSIVFIVF supportIVF GreeceIVF pregnancyreproductive medicine centrein vitro fertilizationIVF stagesassisted reproduction

ABOUT THE DOCTOR

Dr. Alexandros Traianos

Gynecologist · Specialist in Reproductive Medicine and Fetal Medicine

He supports scientific excellence in clinical practice and recognizes the possibilities offered by modern reproductive methods to couples who wish to have a child of their own.

His profile

The content of this article is for information only and does not replace a medical examination and advice.

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Frequently Asked Questions most frequently.

Infertility is defined as the failure to achieve conception after one year (or 6 months in the case of a woman over the age of 35) of normal, regular sexual intercourse. In other words, when a year has passed without the woman becoming pregnant, the couple should consult their treating physician, so that the cause preventing pregnancy can be identified and subsequently addressed. However, we should all be aware and not forget that age is the most critical factor for female fertility, and that an individualized approach to each couple is the "golden key" that solves the problem.

Of course not. In approximately one third of cases, infertility is due to the woman (female factor), while in another third of cases it is due to the man (male factor). In the remaining third, it is due to both partners (both the man and the woman) or even to unknown factors.

• alcohol • narcotic substances • environmental toxins, including pesticides and lead • smoking • health problems • medications • radiotherapy and chemotherapy • age

In general, specialists agree that the fact that a couple has already had a child may be considered evidence that, at least initially, there is no infertility problem. It is like a small test that has been carried out and shows that they “succeeded” at least once. On the other hand, however, we should be aware that circumstances may have changed in the meantime and that a problem may have developed (e.g., the man may have had an inflammation affecting the quality of his sperm, or something may have occurred that affects female fertility: an inflammation, gynecological surgery, an abortion, etc.). In any case, therefore, if a reasonable period of time (one year) passes and a couple is unable to achieve a pregnancy, then, with the help of their doctor, they should investigate whether a problem causing infertility has arisen.

Success rates vary at each IVF center. Very important factors also include the woman’s age, her hormone levels, and, of course, her husband’s sperm. In general, rates are around 45% or slightly higher for women up to 35 years of age.

The number of treatment cycles a woman may undergo is not fixed. It is certain that in our country there are highly qualified obstetrician-gynecologists and well-organized infertility treatment centers that provide excellent medical services in this field. Provided that the appropriate indications are present (e.g., ovaries that respond to stimulation treatment, a good-quality endometrium, etc.), the success rate—particularly with the use of newer techniques and biotechnological medicines, which demonstrate increased bioactivity compared with conventional urine-derived medicines—reaches a cumulative rate of approximately 65%–70% after 4 treatment cycles.

Egg retrieval takes 10–15 minutes, is not painful, is performed under sedation, and after the procedure is completed you can return to your activities.

The association between IVF medications and the risk of developing cancer is the greatest concern for women participating in these programs. However, numerous literature references gathered from reliable scientific studies and published in reputable medical journals worldwide are reassuring and do not confirm this concern.

At Dr. Traianos' Reproductive Medicine Center, we offer egg and sperm cryopreservation services for individuals who have a personal or medical reason and require this service. We use the most advanced vitrification technique for the freezing of sperm and eggs.

Preparing for Egg Retrieval

The Egg Retrieval Procedure

After Egg Retrieval

Success and Next Steps

Conclusion

The first step is a discussion.

Frequently Asked Questions most frequently.

When is a couple considered infertile?

Is infertility only a female problem?

What increases the risk of male infertility?

I already have one child, but I am now having difficulty becoming pregnant again. Could a problem have arisen with me or with my partner?

What is the success rate of in vitro fertilization?

How many times can a woman undergo in vitro fertilization (IVF)?

Is egg retrieval painful?

Can IVF medications cause cancer?

Can I freeze my eggs or my sperm?