Pre-Egg Retrieval Instructions
Once your follicles have reached the appropriate size and your estrogen level is optimal, your doctor will determine which trigger medication is most appropriate for your cycle. Your nurse will then instruct you when to take your trigger medication. This may include hCG, Suprefact, Decapeptyl, or a combination of two medications. The trigger injection is typically given in the evening, 35–36 hours before your egg retrieval. These medications are administered as subcutaneous (SC) injections and may be given by yourself or your partner. Instructions on how to administer the medication will be provided by the pharmacy or your nurse. If you have been taking daily Decapeptyl or Suprefact injections during your cycle, you will also take your final dose at this time.
The morning after this late-night injection you will have an appointment time booked for you to return to the clinic for your last blood test and to see the nurse. You will not have any ultrasounds or injections before the egg retrieval. If your results are within the expected range, you will have your egg retrieval the next day.
IMPORTANT
You will be given a very specific evening time to inject your hCG, Decapeptyl, or Suprefact. Timing is critical as your egg retrieval will be 35-36 hours after the injection. You have 5 minutes either side of your specified time within which you need to complete the injection.
Egg Retrieval Summary
Please arrive at the specified time the morning of your retrieval. Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your procedure. You can have a late-night snack just before midnight if you wish. On the morning of your procedure, you may brush your teeth and rinse your mouth, but do not swallow any water or consume any food or fluids.
Wear comfortable clothing and bring a pair of warm socks. Bring a little sports bag to put your clothes in. Please remove all jewelry and contact lenses and do not wear any make-up. Lockers are provided for purses. You are encouraged to bring a favorite book or headphones for your smartphone for your enjoyment while you wait for your procedure.
When you arrive, you will check in with the TRIO front desk staff to get your wristband. A nurse will call you into the admissions/recovery area to get you set up for your retrieval. Partners will be asked to remain seated in the waiting room until this is done. When you are brought into the admissions/recovery area you will be asked to change into two blue hospital gowns and the socks you were asked to bring with you. A nurse will complete a medical history with you, including checking your blood pressure and pulse. They will then start an intravenous in your arm. At this point, your partner (if you have one) will be invited back to sit with you and is encouraged to stay with you throughout the procedure.
There are two different pre-procedure medication protocols designed to relax you and keep you as comfortable as possible during your procedure.
Approximately five minutes before your egg retrieval, you will be assisted to the washroom to empty your bladder and then proceed to the procedure room. Before the procedure begins, the doctor and embryologist will confirm your treatment protocol and procedure details. You will then be assisted onto the procedure bed and made comfortable. An automatic blood pressure monitor will be placed on your arm and an oxygen sensor on one of your fingers to monitor your breathing during the procedure.
A nurse will remain at your side throughout the procedure to support you, monitor your blood pressure and oxygen levels, and provide additional medications if required. You will be in the procedure room for approximately 30 minutes, with the egg retrieval itself taking about 10 minutes.
The doctor will put a speculum into your vagina. They then clean the cervix and vagina with media. Topical Xylocaine freezing is placed onto the cervix. This numbs the area for the Xylocaine injection. Xylocaine (local anesthetic) is injected into two areas around the cervix. The ultrasound probe, with a needle guide will be inserted into your vagina. The needle guide is used to line up the follicles with the probe. The egg retrieval needle is inserted into the guide and then is inserted into each follicle. A suction pump is activated and the follicular fluid is drained out of each follicle. The fluid is taken to the lab by your nurse. The egg retrieval is completed when all the follicles are aspirated. Once this is finished the probe is removed and the speculum is inserted so that the doctor can check for any bleeding. You will know the number of eggs before you are discharged.
Post-Egg Retrieval Instructions
The nurse will assist you back to the recovery room. Please do not drink excessively after your retrieval, as it may cause nausea. Your intravenous will be removed once you are drinking and you are not nauseated. Please do not try to get up on your own. Wait for the nurse or your partner (if you have one) to help you. The nurse will give you discharge instructions before you leave.
The following day you should be fine to return to work. You may feel some cramps, but they should not be any worse than bad menstrual cramps. Tylenol or Tylenol Extra Strength should relieve any discomfort.
Please ensure you follow the medication regimen implemented by your TRIO physician. Your nurse will provide you with instructions for taking the medication.
After your treatment cycle, you will have a follow-up appointment with your TRIO physician to review your results and discuss next steps. Any frozen eggs or embryos will be safely stored at TRIO using the highest level of safety and security. When the time comes to use them, they will be thawed and prepared for your future treatment cycle.
It is common to feel anxious after the egg retrieval as you wait for updates from the Lab. We understand how difficult this can be. That’s why one of our staff will call you the day after the retrieval to give you a preliminary report including how many mature ova were retrieved.
Frequently Asked Questions: During the Egg Retrieval
Where is the egg retrieval done?
We have a procedure room where all the egg retrievals and transfers are done. You will be in our recovery area before and after your procedure.
Why are patients not put to sleep for the egg retrieval?
We have found that the local anesthetic we use works very well. The recovery time is faster and there is less risk.
Can they see my eggs on the ultrasound screen?
No. Ultrasound shows the follicles that house the eggs. Because the eggs are so small, the only way to see them is under a high-powered microscope.
How long does it take to do the retrieval?
You are in the room for 20 to 30 minutes of which 10 minutes is the actual retrieval.
Frequently Asked Questions: After the Egg Retrieval
How long do I have to stay after the egg retrieval?
Everyone reacts differently to the medications given before and during the egg retrieval. Patients usually stay in the recovery area for 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Can I leave without being able to urinate?
You can go home if you have no concerns. If you have distention or are uncomfortable you should stay.
Can I drive after the egg retrieval?
No. You will be given medications that can cause drowsiness and it would not be safe for you to drive. It is important that you have someone to drive you home. It will be safe for you to drive the following day.
Do I get a few days off after retrieval?
This is usually not necessary. The day after the retrieval you could have some cramping, but most patients are comfortable returning to work the day following their egg retrieval.
When can I resume exercising?
Depending on your post-egg retrieval instructions, it is advised to wait until you get a period before resuming vigorous exercise.
When can I have intercourse after the egg retrieval?
We recommend waiting until after your next period.
Are there specific foods or drinks to avoid?
Maintain a healthy diet and avoid alcohol consumption while trying to become pregnant.
Should I stop any essential oils or herbal medication after the retrieval?
Only use herbal medications that you have discussed with your naturopath, as some of these can affect your hormones.
Can I get a facial, a massage, or dye my hair?
Yes. However, you should ensure that you are in a well-ventilated area and avoid hair dyes containing ammonia.
Can I use a hot tub or sauna?
No. Please avoid the use of hot tubs and saunas.
Can I travel after the egg retrieval?
We recommend waiting between 7-10 days after your egg retrieval before flying or going on long car rides.
Frequently Asked Questions: Understanding Results
How many eggs are mature?
You will know the number of eggs retrieved before you are discharged. The day after the retrieval, one of our staff will call you to give you a preliminary report including how many mature ova were retrieved.
I had four follicles and only got three eggs. What happened to the one we did not get?
Unfortunately, not every follicle contains an egg.
When do I get a call about my eggs?
The day after the retrieval, one of our staff will call you to give you a preliminary report including how many mature ova were retrieved.