How Eggs are Retrieved from Ovaries: A Detailed Guide
The process of harvesting or retrieving eggs from the ovaries is a crucial step in various fertility treatments such as egg donation, in vitro fertilization (IVF), and fertility preservation. During every menstrual cycle, several eggs are recruited in follicles which are little black balloons full of fluid on the ovary, and only one egg will grow and ovulate.
To improve the number of eggs that can be retrieved, fertility specialists provide medication to stimulate the growth of the little follicles. These medications usually include injections containing a hormone called follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and another hormone called LH depending on the patient’s age, egg reserve, and medical history.
Patients may feel nervous about taking injections, but it is a straightforward process that only requires injecting the medication into the lower tummy area for approximately 10 days. Patients also need medication to prevent ovulating the eggs.
During the treatment, the fertility specialist will monitor the growth of the follicles using scans. When the follicles reach a certain size, the egg is triggered, and egg retrieval day is usually around day 14. Patients receive a trigger shot the night before egg retrieval day to retrieve the eggs, and the procedure involves inserting a needle attached to an ultrasound into the ovary and follicles to retrieve the fluid containing the egg.
Patients may experience bloating and discomfort for a few days after the procedure, but it is normal, and painkillers can help. After five to ten days, patients should get a heavier period than usual, and their cycle should go back to normal, with no interference with future fertility.
It is crucial to have the egg retrieval procedure done only at an accredited medical facility, Gift ov life only works with the leading and accredited clinics throughout South Africa, where patients can expect individualized, personalized, and safe care.
