This leaflet is to help you understand more about Ultrasound-Guided Procedures in Assisted Conception Cycles.
When will I have my eggs collected?
As part of your IVF procedure the growth of your eggs is constantly monitored by your fertility specialist using transvaginal ultrasound. When your eggs reach the appropriate size you are prescribed an injection to make them ready for collection. About 36 hours later you are scheduled to have your eggs collected.
How are my eggs collected?
On the appointed date and time, you will have your eggs collected by means of needle inserted through your vagina by means of a special transvaginal ultrasound probe.
Will the procedure be painful?
The procedure is associated with a moderate degree of discomfort and is usually carried out under conscious sedation or general anesthesia depending on the IVF center protocol and available equipment and staff.
Is the procedure safe?
The process of transvaginal egg collection using ultrasound is a relatively safe procedure with a relatively low risk of complications. The most common is bleeding which very rarely may be severe enough to require blood transfusion and an operation to control it. Another possible complication is infection which would require antibiotics.
Will there be any pain after the procedure?
You may feel a little sore after the procedure for 1-2 days and your fertility specialist will usually prescribe you some painkillers for that. However, if you develop severe pain then you should contact the fertility unit immediately to make sure than no complication has developed.
How long will I remain in the Fertility center after the egg collection?
In the majority of cases you will be allowed to leave 2-4 hours after the procedure. In some cases, you may be kept for longer, under observation if there was a difficulty during your procedure.
How long before I can return to my usual activities and work?
In most cases you will be able to return to work in 2-3 days with little or no discomfort. Because your ovaries are temporarily larger than normal, due to the large number of eggs stimulated, strenuous exercise should be avoided and an appropriate position should be adopted during sexual activity to avoid putting too much pressure on the ovaries.
What will happen to my eggs after they are collected?
Your eggs are examined by an embryologist and the good ones are fertilized using your husband/partners sperms. The resulting embryos are kept in an incubator for 3-5 days after which they are graded for quality.
When will my embryos be returned to my uterus?
On the third or fifth day after your eggs are fertilized 1-2 embryos will be returned to your uterus (womb) according to the IVF center protocol. If you have additional embryos these will
usually be frozen for use in subsequent cycles if you and your partner consent to it. The embryos are loaded into a special catheter (thin plastic tube) which is then passed through your cervix into the lining of the womb where the embryos will be deposited. The procedure might be done with the help of ultrasound which may be transabdominal or transvaginal depending on the preference of your fertility specialist to guide the placement of the embryos.
Is the procedure painful?
The process of embryo transfer is a very gentle and painless procedure that usually doesn’t require any sedation.
Do I require any rest after the procedure?
No bed rest is needed after embryo transfer and you may return to your usual activity on the same day of the procedure.
Last updated: November 2023