What to Expect on the Day of Your Egg Collection

What to Expect on the Day of Your Egg Collection

Egg collections are routinely performed in our clinic. For our team, it is a very routine procedure, but we understand that for new patients this can be an unfamiliar and daunting experience.  

The egg collection is the process of retrieving a women’s eggs during the IVF process through a minor procedure under conscious sedation in our clinic. It usually only takes about 15- 20 minutes.

On the day of your egg collection, you should fast at least 6 hours before as the procedure requires sedation. Upon arrival at the clinic, you will be greeted by a member of our nursing team at reception who will be looking after you that day.

We will be bringing you down to the recovery and theatre area where you will be taken to a changing room to change into your gown for the procedure. Throughout the day, you will meet your team of nurses, doctors, and embryologists who will make you as comfortable as possible and go through everything with you. A small IV cannula will need to be inserted to administer the medication for the procedure.

If you are a male partner who will be required to produce a sample on the day, a nurse or care assistant will go through the paperwork with you and show you where to go.

In the theatre, we will perform an ID check with you and our Embryology team to confirm your details are correct.

After you are sedated, the team will conduct a vaginal ultrasound. The consultant will insert a needle through the vaginal wall into the ovary and begin to collect the eggs. When collected, the eggs will then be passed directly to the embryologist in the lab.

After the procedure, you will be brought back into the recovery room where your nurse will monitor your vital signs. You will then be reviewed by the consultant, the embryologist and the nurse. The nurse will provide some aftercare and patient advice for you to take home. It is advised after the procedure to go home and rest and take pain relief if required. Your nurse will go through when the embryology team will be in contact with your Embryo progression update calls.

Frequently Asked Questions 

How long does the procedure take?

The procedure takes approx. 15-20 minutes.

Can my partner be in theatre during the procedure

Your partner will attend the clinic with you on the day of your egg collection. However, they will not be permitted to be present in the theatre during the egg collection itself. If they are required to produce a sample on the day, they will be looked after by one of the team and shown where to go.

Can I eat before my egg collection?

No, as you are under mild sedation you must fast 6 hours before your procedure

Is it normal to have spotting after the procedure?

Some spotting is normal however if heavy bleeding occurs or you are concerned, please contact us.

I am constipated after my procedure is this normal? What should I do?/ Can IVF egg retrieval cause constipation?

Constipation is a normal and common side effect after egg retrieval from IVF due to certain medications. Fluids and a fibrous diet can help alleviate these symptoms afterwards.

How many eggs can be expected on collection day?

The number of eggs collected depends on each individual patient’s fertility levels and ovarian reserve.

What should I do after the procedure?

It is important to go home and rest after the procedure. If you are uncomfortable, you can take over-the-counter pain medication. Avoid alcohol, and caffeine and make sure that you are hydrated and comfortable.