Everything You Need To Know About In Vitro Fertilization

The Egg Retrieval

Inside the ovaries are follicles, which is where the eggs develop in fluid-filled structures. Each follicle contains one microscopic egg, which can be seen and measured by an ultrasound. The eggs loosely attach to the follicle walls. Once the eggs are fully developed, female patients are injected with a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), which prepares the eggs for final maturation and surgical retrieval. During the second stage, the eggs are retrieved about 36 hours after the hCG injection. Through ultrasound imaging, the technician inserts a hollow needle into the pelvic cavity to retrieve eggs from the ovary. This procedure typically takes five to ten minutes with patients given anesthesia and undergo sedation to manage any pain and discomfort.