Pre-Egg Retrieval Instructions
Once your follicles are a certain size and your estrogen level is optimal, you will then be instructed by the nurse to inject hCG or Suprefact late in the night. hCG or Suprefact is given 35-36 hours prior to your egg retrieval. This injection can be given by you, your partner or someone who is competent to give injections. You will receive instructions on administering this medication from the pharmacy. If you have been on daily injections of Lupron or Suprefact during your cycle, you will also give yourself your last injection of Lupron or Suprefact.
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 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.
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 and sperm results.
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 (if applicable) 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 applicable, will be invited back to sit with you in the Recovery Room.
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. You will be assisted onto the table and made comfortable. An automatic blood pressure monitor will be put on your arm and an oxygen sensor on one of your fingers that will tell us that you’re breathing adequately.
You will have a nurse at your side to help you through the procedure, monitor your blood pressure and oxygen levels, and give you any additional medications as required. You will be in the procedure for approximately 30 minutes, of which 10 minutes is the actual egg retrieval.
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 retrieved before you leave the procedure room.
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 applicable) to help you. You will not be able to leave until the results of the sperm sample are known, just in case a second sample is needed. 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.
Depending on your treatment protocol, you will either:
- A. Freeze all embryos on Day 5 or 6 of development
- B. Prepare for an embryo transfer on Day 5 of development and freeze any remaining embryos. In this case, you will be scheduled for a pregnancy blood test 2 weeks after your embryo transfer.
After your treatment cycle, a post-operative follow-up appointment will be scheduled for you to review your results with your TRIO physician and discuss your next steps. Your embryo(s) will be safely stored at TRIO using the highest level of safety and security standards. When the time comes, your embryo(s) will be as good as the day you froze them.
It is common to feel anxious after the egg retrieval as you wait for updates from the IVF 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 and how many were successfully fertilized.
Frequently Asked Questions: During the Egg Retrieval
Where are the egg retrevals 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.
How long do I have to wait before doing another fresh IVF cycle?
You are to wait 3 months between egg retrievals. Your ovaries need time to recuperate from the last fresh cycle.
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 retreival?
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?
We know the number of eggs retrieved on the day of your retrieval. The day after egg retrieval, a nurse will call to tell you the number of eggs that were mature and how many of those eggs fertilized. The IVF Lab assess embryos daily and a nurse will call you with the findings.
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 embryos?
The IVF lab assesses embryos daily and gives the nurses a report. One of the IVF nurses will call you the day after your retrieval with an update about the progress of your embryos.
If my embryos were frozen because I was hyperstimulated, when can I do a frozen cycle?
You will need to book a follow up with your physician to discuss next steps for frozen cycle.