Egg Collection

Transvaginal Egg/Oocyte Collection 

In this procedure, the matured eggs (oocytes) produced during an in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle will be collected.  The oocytes need to be collected for fertilization in conjunction with your IVF treatment.

This procedure is normally performed under a general anaesthetic. A drip is inserted into your arm and you are put to sleep. An examination is made under anaesthesia. The ovaries are visualised by transvaginal ultrasound and each follicle is punctured with a small needle to collect the follicular fluid which (hopefully!) contains the egg. 

This procedure does not involve any abdominal incisions unless the ovaries are inaccessible via the transvaginal route.  

The EPU itself takes approximately twenty minutes, but you can expect to be in theatre and recovery for a number of hours.

When you wake from the anaesthetic, you will be in the recovery room. Your egg count will be marked on your arm or you will be informed of the outcome by our staff. You should be able to leave that day, but you should expect some pelvic discomfort. You will be given specific discharge medications if required, but you may use panadol or panadeine as required (1-2 tablets every 4 hours up to a maximum of 8 tablets per day).

If you are not planning an embryo transfer this month, it is ok to use neurofen as well. 

After discharge from hospital, you should:

• eat and drink normally
• remain mobile
• use sanitary pads (not tampons) if required
• shower normally
• pass urine normally 

You should not:

• have intercourse 
• undertake any unsupervised activity on the day of the egg colleciton

You should be able to return to work the following day,  but may require more time off work. You will be contacted by your embryologists to discuss the egg pick up results.

You will be contacted the following day to discuss the fertilizaton results and timing of any embryo transfer.  If you are having an embryo transfer, you should commence progesterone 1-2 days after the egg collection.

Every surgical procedure has risks, though the risk is low with egg collection. Complications include, but are not limited to:

1. the anaesthetic

2. the surgery

• injuries to internal organs or blood vessels, requiring further surgery, including a cut on your abdomen (laparotomy), blood transfusion or longer admission; 

3. the recovery period

• infections of the bladder, pelvis (specifically the ovaries and / or tubes) abdomen or lungs; blood clots that may form in the leg or pelvis and travel to the lung; unpredictable wound healing; variable postoperative pain and recovery; nausea, vomiting or pain necessitating overnight admission

Any specific risks will be discussed prior to the procedure.

You should notify the nurses in my rooms if you have any of the following problems:

• fever or feeling unwell
• offensive vaginal discharge or heavy bleeding
• intractable nausea or vomiting
• inability to empty your bladder or bowels
• severe pain

Please SMS contact Dr Smith or attend the Mater Emergency Department if you require urgent attention.