retrieving eggs for freezing

The egg retrieval procedure

The egg retrieval is a step in IVF, egg freezing, and embryo freezing. It may have mild side effects, but most individuals recover within a few days.

September 20, 2023

The egg retrieval procedure is a critical step in in vitro fertilization (IVF), egg freezing, or embryo freezing. Here's an overview of the procedure:

Purpose

  - IVF: To retrieve mature eggs from a woman's ovaries for fertilization in a lab.

  - Egg Freezing: To collect and freeze a woman's eggs for future use.

  - Embryo Freezing: To harvest eggs, fertilize them, and freeze resulting embryos for later use.

Egg retrieval procedure

  - Typically performed within 15 minutes under light anesthesia or sedation.

  - A thin, hollow needle is inserted through the vaginal wall into the ovaries.

  - The needle is guided by ultrasound imaging to aspirate mature eggs from follicles.

  - Collected eggs are then immediately transferred to a laboratory for further processing.

Side effects of egg retrieval

  - Common side effects include mild discomfort, bloating, and cramping.

  - Rarely, there can be infection, bleeding, or damage to nearby organs, but these are very uncommon.

Recovery

  - Most women can resume normal activities within 24 to 48 hours.

  - Mild discomfort and bloating may persist for a few days.

  - Strictly follow your doctor's post-retrieval instructions.

After egg retrieval

  - IVF: After retrieval, eggs are fertilized with sperm, and embryos develop over several days. Some embryos can be frozen if not used in the first implantation.

  - Egg Freezing: Eggs are frozen and stored for future use indefinitely.

  - Embryo Freezing: Embryos are frozen and stored, ready for transfer in a future IVF cycle.

Egg or embryo storage can be a big additional cost. We’ve done the research and found a reliable egg/embryo storage facility for $375 a year (on a 5-year plan). Reach out if you want to save money at a reliable cryobank.

In summary, the egg retrieval procedure is a pivotal step in assisted reproductive technologies like IVF, egg freezing, and embryo freezing. While it may have mild side effects, most individuals recover within a few days, and the timeline varies depending on the specific purpose of the procedure. If you want to get a full scoop of our fertility support, book a consultation. Or find an affordable fertility clinic for a consultation or second opinion.

Save ~$9,000 on IVF/egg freezing with outside monitoring
Do part of IVF at your local gynecologist, and part at an affordable fertility clinic anywhere in the U.S.
Total IVF price including medication as low as $7,000
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