Egg Retrieval Process: What To Expect Before, During, & After

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a complex but effective form of assisted reproductive technology (ART). One of the most critical steps in IVF is egg retrieval—a minor surgical procedure where mature eggs are collected from the ovaries. These eggs are then fertilized in a lab and can later be transferred into a uterus.

Egg retrieval is a pivotal moment in the IVF journey, especially for those working with a surrogate or using an egg donor. It marks the transition from preparation to actual embryo creation.

The egg retrieval process is carefully timed and monitored to ensure the best possible outcome. It generally includes preparation, ovarian stimulation, monitoring, the procedure itself, and post-retrieval care.

Let’s break it all down.

Prepare for an Egg Retrieval

Optimize Health for Fertility Window

Good physical health directly affects egg quality. Intended parents or egg donors are advised to:

1. Maintain a balanced diet rich in antioxidants, healthy fats, and protein
2. Avoid alcohol, tobacco, and recreational drugs
3. Get at least 7–8 hours of sleep
4. Engage in moderate exercise, but not excessive cardio

Stress management is also essential. High cortisol levels can disrupt hormonal balance and impact ovarian response.

Pre-Cycle Labs

Before any medications are started, baseline labs are conducted. These typically include:

5. Hormone levels (FSH, LH, Estradiol, AMH)
6. Infectious disease screening
7. Genetic screening (if needed)
8. Pelvic ultrasound to assess the ovaries

These labs give your fertility doctor a comprehensive view of your reproductive health and help them tailor your protocol.

Stimulating Ovaries

Once labs are complete and you're cleared to begin, ovarian stimulation kicks off. This involves daily hormone injections that stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple follicles.

In a natural cycle, only one egg matures. With medication, the goal is to mature 10–20 follicles, increasing chances of successful fertilization.

Calendar Review

You'll receive a personalized cycle calendar. It details:

9. Medication schedule
10. Monitoring appointments
11. Egg retrieval date (tentative, based on your body’s response)

Sticking to this calendar is crucial. Timing is everything in IVF.

Medications Injection Instructions

Injections usually include:

12. FSH (e.g., Gonal-F, Follistim): Stimulates follicle growth
13. hCG or Lupron (Trigger Shot): Triggers final egg maturation
14. GnRH Antagonists (e.g., Ganirelix): Prevent premature ovulation

Instructions for self-injection are provided. Many clinics offer injection training or access to nurses for guidance.

Follicle Monitoring

During stimulation, you’ll undergo frequent ultrasounds and blood tests (every 2–3 days). These track:

15. Size and number of growing follicles
16. Estradiol levels (a marker of follicle maturity)

Once the leading follicles reach about 18–20 mm, it’s time for the trigger shot—usually given 36 hours before egg retrieval.

Egg Retrieval Procedure

This is a quick outpatient procedure, typically lasting 15–30 minutes. You’ll be sedated (not fully anesthetized) for comfort.

Using transvaginal ultrasound guidance, a fertility specialist inserts a thin needle into each follicle and suctions out the follicular fluid, which contains the eggs.

It sounds more intense than it feels—most people are surprised by how fast and painless it is.

Lab Analysis & Fertilization

The fluid is immediately examined under a microscope in the embryology lab to identify and count the retrieved eggs.

Here’s what happens next:

17. Mature eggs are selected for fertilization
18. Fertilization occurs either through standard insemination or ICSI (injecting a single sperm into the egg)
19. Embryos are monitored for 3–6 days

At this point, fertilized embryos can be frozen for future use, especially in cases involving surrogacy.

CDC website

NIH website

Rest & Recovery

Most people feel fine within a few hours after the procedure, but mild cramping, bloating, or spotting is common for 1–3 days.

Recovery tips:

20. Rest for the first 24 hours
21. Avoid strenuous activity or intercourse for at least a week
22. Stay hydrated and eat light, nutritious meals
23. Report any unusual symptoms (fever, severe pain, heavy bleeding)

Egg Retrieval Side Effects

Side effects are generally mild and short-lived. Common ones include:

• Abdominal discomfort or bloating
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Constipation
• Spotting

In rare cases, ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) can occur. Symptoms may include rapid weight gain, severe bloating, or difficulty breathing. Immediate medical attention is needed if OHSS is suspected.

FDA website

Fertility Treatment Options

After retrieval, there are several pathways depending on your family-building goals:

24. Embryo transfer to a surrogate
25. Embryo freezing for later use
26. PGT (Preimplantation Genetic Testing) to screen for chromosomal abnormalities
27. Embryo donation, if you’re not planning to use them yourself

Egg retrieval isn’t just for those doing IVF now. Many people choose to freeze eggs to preserve fertility for the future, particularly before undergoing medical treatments like chemotherapy.

HHS website

Conclusion

The egg retrieval process may sound daunting, but with proper preparation and the right care team, it’s a safe and highly successful part of the IVF journey. Whether you're an intended parent, egg donor, or just exploring your options, understanding what to expect can empower you to make informed decisions.

From hormone shots to ultrasound check-ins, the journey to retrieving healthy eggs is methodical, science-backed, and deeply personal. By following medical advice, optimizing your health, and asking the right questions, you're setting the stage for success—whether that means pregnancy now or family building in the future.

If you’re working with a surrogacy agency, this step marks the beginning of something truly life-changing. You're not just collecting eggs. You’re creating possibilities.