Egg retrieval is an integral part of the in-vitro fertilization (IVF) process and your surrogacy journey. If you don’t know what to expect from the egg retrieval process, that’s OK. We’ll walk you through each step of the process and what you can expect.
Working with us means getting the support you deserve on this life-changing journey to grow your family, whether learning about IVF egg retrieval or other parts of the surrogacy medical process like embryo transfers.
Parenthood could be something you’ve been dreaming about for years and we’ll be there for every step. Once you’ve begun your embryo creation process; we can match you with a surrogate. Get in touch with us today to get started.
What Is Egg Retrieval?
IVF egg retrieval is one of the first steps in your surrogacy IVF journey.
The main goal is to collect mature eggs from the intended mother to be fertilized with the intended father’s sperm in a laboratory setting, where they will hopefully develop into embryos to be transferred to your surrogate’s uterus.
If you are not able to use your own eggs or are an LGBT+ couple, talk to your fertility specialist about finding an egg donor. If you’re not yet partnered with a fertility clinic, reach out to us today and we may be able to connect you with a fertility clinic in your area.
What Is the Egg Retrieval Process?
Egg retrieval for IVF typically involves:
Ovarian stimulation Trigger shot Retrieval procedure Fertilization
Step 1. Ovarian Stimulation
To prepare the intended mother for egg retrieval, you’ll undergo hormonal treatments to stimulate your ovaries to produce multiple eggs. The growth and development of the ovarian follicles are closely monitored through ultrasounds and blood tests. A follicle is a fluid-filled sac that contains an egg; each individual follicle usually contains one egg.
Step 2. Triggering Ovulation
When the majority of the follicles are 18-20 mm in diameter and your hormones are at the right levels, a trigger shot (usually hCG) is administered to induce final maturation of the eggs.
Step 3. Retrieval Procedure
Approximately 36 hours after the trigger shot, the eggs are retrieved in a minor surgical procedure using a needle guided by ultrasound. The egg retrieval IVF process is a minimally invasive procedure that takes just 15-30 minutes. This is usually done under sedation.
Step 4. Fertilization
Once your eggs have been retrieved, they will either be fertilized with the intended father’s sperm or a donor’s, or frozen to be fertilized later. In the following days, the embryologist will monitor the embryo development.
How Many Eggs Will I Get From My Egg Retrieval?
There is no guaranteed number of eggs retrieved during egg retrieval. The exact number is specific to each situation because its impacted by:
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Age
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Ovarian reserve
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Amount of medications
Fertility decreases with age because the overall number of eggs and quality decreases as age increases. This can impact the quality of the embryo, meaning the chances of implementation that lead to a pregnancy are lower.
When it comes to egg retrieval and IVF with a woman using her own eggs, the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART) has the data for specific age ranges:
The percentage of live births through IVF is 55.6% with live births on the first embryo transfer 41.4% of the time. IVF success rates are 40.8% with live births on the first embryo transfer at 31.6%. A second embryo transfer sees the percentage of live births rise to 44.7% Success rates see a decline at this point, dropping to a 26.8% success rate. 22.3% of women in this category see a live birth after their first embryo transfer which rises to 40.9% for later transfers resulting in live births. The success rate at this stage is around 7%.
In addition to these averages from the SART on the success rates for egg retrieval and IVF, you might wonder what the medical professionals like a fertility clinic consider “optimal” parameters of success.
A rule of thumb from the Reproductive Medicine Associates says that ten-12 mature eggs can give you a good chance of having at least one normal embryo resulting in a 65% chance of pregnancy.
Similar to the number of eggs not being guaranteed when it comes to egg retrieval overall, it depends on factors like your age and how many kids you want. If you are hoping to have more than one, then more eggs may be required to produce multiple embryos.
Is It Painful to Get Egg Retrieval?
No, egg retrieval is not painful. Not only is the process quick, but it’s done with the assistance of anesthesia to help prevent you from feeling any pain. Side effects of the retrieval process may vary following the procedure but the procedure itself is minimally invasive.
Rest and Recovery After IVF Egg Retrieval Process
Allowing your body to heal after the egg retrieval is the last step, but it’s an important one. Depending on your medical professional, you may need to be accompanied to the procedure by someone who can drive you home.
It’s recommended that you rest, even if you are feeling 100%, for a day after the IVF egg retrieval.
Symptoms after the retrieval can include:
- Pain
- Constipation
- Heavier period
Many of these effects are as a result of the medical procedures done for the egg retrieval. Constipation can be a result of the extra progesterone and use of narcotic pain medications. A heavier period is a similar result of extra hormones produced during the process for egg retrieval
Symptoms like abdominal swelling, nausea and vomiting can be symptoms of ovarian hyper stimulation syndrome (OHSS). OHSS happens when fluid from the follicles leaks and collects in your abdomen or pelvis.
OHSS as a result of the egg retrieval IVF process is typically mild symptoms wise but it can become severe in rare cases. If you are experiencing any symptoms of OHSS, even if mild, contact your doctor.
What Is the Difference Between IVF and Egg Retrieval?
Egg retrieval is part of the IVF process but not the other way around. IVF includes egg retrieval, fertilization and transfer of the embryos to your surrogate while egg retrieval is the process of extracting eggs from your body for surrogacy.
Next Steps After Egg Retrieval [Contact Us Today]
If you want to learn more about the egg retrieval process step-by-step or aren’t currently partnered with a fertility clinic for your surrogacy journey, reach out to us!
As a national, fully licensed surrogacy agency, we can connect you with a fertility clinic near you.
Your fertility clinic will be your go to resource for egg retrieval and much more. Working with us means getting the resources you need for every part of your surrogacy journey, such as finding a surrogate and connecting you with legal professionals.