In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a crucial journey for many couples. Getting a heads-up about what lies ahead can help you go through the journey without doubt or confusion and prepare yourself accordingly.
IVF most often consists of five stages. Ovum pickup is part of the egg collection or retrieval stage when the eggs are stimulated to develop at the beginning of the IVF treatment and get collected for fertilization.
Ovum pickup is a painless procedure that is done within minutes.
What is Ovum Pickup in IVF?
- In IVF, follicle puncture is done after ovarian stimulation to retrieve mature eggs, which are then fertilised in the lab.
Ovum pickup or egg pickup is medically called ‘Follicle Puncture.’
The IVF process begins by stimulating the ovaries to produce more than one mature follicle. The follicles contain the egg cells or ovum. IVF requires mature egg cells to make the fertilization process a success.
Therefore, the follicles are stimulated through FSH (Follice-Stimulating Hormone) shots until the egg cells or oocytes mature.
When the follicles reach around 18 to 22 mm in diameter, the ideal size for good follicles, a trigger shot hCG (Human chorionic gonadotropin) is administered for the follicles to release eggs. This phase then leads to the egg retrieval stage or the ovum pickup phase.
During the ovum pickup phase, the mature egg cells get collected for fertilization in the laboratory.
All the Best for your IVF Journey !
The Egg Pickup Procedure
Almost after 36 hours of the hCG trigger shot, the egg pickup or egg retrieval phase comes into play.
A small needle with a suction device and test tube connected to it helps to collect the eggs. Under ultrasound monitoring, the needle travels to the ovaries through the patient’s uterus.
The needle then punctures the follicles, sucks the egg cells along with the surrounding fluid, and collects it.
Preparation for the Ovum Pickup Procedure
- Before ovum pick up, share your medical history and test results with your doctor, inform them of any illnesses, and specify your preference for fresh or frozen eggs.
Produce your blood tests, medical history, and other required reports to your fertility doctor before the ovum pickup procedure.
Notify your doctor if you are suffering from a fever, upset stomach, or other illness. Also, make sure to empty your bladder before the procedure.
You should also inform your doctor if you want to freeze your eggs or go with fresh eggs for fertilization before the ovum pickup procedure. The clinic will take the necessary action based on your preference for egg usage and assist you with the ovum pickup procedure accordingly.
What to Expect During the Ovum Pickup Procedure?
The ovum pickup procedure is usually painless and simple. It uses anesthesia and requires no incisions.
The ovum pickup procedure does not take more than 30 minutes to complete.
What Happens After Ovum Pickup?
You may experience mild cramping or nausea after the procedure, which will go away in a short time. But if you sense severe abdominal cramping or bleeding, consult your fertility doctor immediately.
Risks Associated with Ovum Pickup
There is a possibility for the needle used during the ovum pickup procedure to damage the surrounding tissues of the uterus and cause bleeding.
There is also a possibility of infection of the surrounding organs during the procedure.
Conclusion
Ovum pickup is a crucial process that requires careful monitoring and appropriate timing for execution.
If you have any doubts about the procedure, consult your respective fertility doctor immediately and get ready for the procedure at ease.
Stay healthy through good lifestyle practices and incorporating a balanced diet to face the ovum pickup procedure positively.
To know more about the ovum pickup procedure in IVF, you can contact a fertility specialist.
FAQs
No, egg pickup is not painful. The procedure is done without any incisions and under anesthesia. So you will not feel much pain with IVF egg pickup.
You may feel mild discomfort or abdominal cramping that will go away sooner with time.
The ovum pickup procedure does not take more than 30 minutes most of the time.