Your Guide to the Egg Retrieval Process
Your Upcoming Egg Retrieval, Explained
If you’re preparing for egg donation, IVF, or egg freezing, one of the biggest milestones in your journey is the egg retrieval itself. This is the medical procedure where your mature eggs are collected from your ovaries, the moment everything you’ve worked toward with medications, monitoring, and preparation comes together.
It’s completely normal to feel both excited and nervous about this step, but knowing exactly what to expect can help ease uncertainty and give you confidence as you move forward.
What Is Egg Retrieval?
Egg retrieval is a minor outpatient procedure performed under sedation, meaning you won’t need to stay at the clinic overnight. A fertility specialist uses an ultrasound-guided needle to gently collect mature eggs from the ovaries. The eggs are then either fertilized in a lab (for IVF or intended parents) or frozen for later use (egg freezing).
The procedure itself only takes around 20 minutes, but it’s the culmination of weeks of preparation with fertility medications and monitoring.
Preparing for Retrieval
Before the actual retrieval, your body goes through a carefully timed process designed to maximize egg production and ensure the eggs are ready for collection.
Medication cycle: In the 8-14 days leading up to retrieval, you’ll take hormone injections to stimulate your ovaries to produce multiple mature eggs. Read through our Egg Retrieval Medications Guide here to learn about what you’ll be taking.
Monitoring: You’ll have ultrasounds and blood tests so your doctor can track follicle growth and hormone levels.
Trigger shot: When your follicles are ready, you’ll take a “trigger shot,” an injection of hCG or Lupron. This helps the eggs mature fully and times ovulation so they can be retrieved before being released naturally. The retrieval is scheduled about 24-36 hours after the trigger shot.
It’s very important to follow instructions precisely — timing matters at this stage.
The Day of Your Retrieval
Here’s what to expect on retrieval day:
Arrival at the clinic: You and your companion will check in, review your procedure details, and meet the retrieval team. You will need this companion to drive you home afterwards since you’ll be recovering from anesthesia.
Sedation: You’ll be given light sedation, so you’ll be asleep and comfortable during the procedure. It’s not general anesthesia, so you won’t be intubated, but you won’t feel pain or remember the process.
The procedure itself: Using ultrasound guidance, your doctor will insert a thin needle through the vaginal wall and into each follicle in the ovaries. The fluid inside the follicles will be aspirated (gently suctioned), and the matured eggs will be collected from that fluid.
Recovery room: After the procedure, you will rest in a recovery area for 30-60 minutes while the anesthesia wears off. Nurses will monitor you and provide aftercare instructions.
The whole appointment typically takes 2-3 hours start to finish, and you should take the day off to take it easy and recover. Your ovaries will be enlarged and sensitive, so full recovery can take a few days.
What You May Feel After the Retrieval
Egg retrieval is considered safe, but like any medical procedure, some side effects are common:
Cramps and bloating – Your ovaries have been enlarged from stimulation, so mild cramping or abdominal pressure is normal.
Spotting – Light vaginal spotting may occur from the needle punctures.
Tiredness – Sedation plus the physical process itself can leave you feeling fatigued for the rest of the day.
For a full list of side-effects and recovery steps, read through our article, What to Expect After Your Egg Retrieval. Most people feel well enough to resume normal activities within -–2 days, though it’s best to avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, or high-impact activities until your doctor clears you.
Risks to Be Aware Of
Serious complications are rare, but it’s important to be aware of any potential risks:
Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS): When the ovaries respond too strongly to medication, they may swell and leak fluid. Symptoms range from bloating and discomfort to, in rare cases, severe complications. Communicate with your agency and clinic if you experience significant discomfort.
Infection or bleeding: As with any procedure involving needles, there is a small risk of infection or bleeding.
Reaction to anesthesia: This is very rare since you will only be under light sedation, but possible.
Your clinic will give you detailed instructions on warning signs to watch for, such as severe pain, rapid weight gain, fever, or heavy bleeding.
How Many Eggs Will Be Retrieved?
The number varies widely based on age, ovarian reserve, and how your body responds to medication. Some people may have 8-12 eggs retrieved, while others may have more or fewer.
Egg donors are screened and approved based on various risk factors and fertility testing, so some Genesis donors retrieve upwards of 20 eggs. For egg freezing or IVF patients, your doctor will give you a sense of what’s realistic in your case.
It’s also important to remember that not every egg retrieved will be fully mature, make it through the preservation process, fertilize, or even develop into an embryo. Though an amazing feat in modern medicine, assisted reproductive technologies (ART) are filled with uncertainty.
This is why clinics aim to retrieve multiple eggs to increase the overall chances of success down the line.
After Retrieval: What’s Next?
What happens after retrieval depends on your path:
For egg donors: The eggs are fertilized in the lab for the intended parents. You’ll move into your short recovery period and then resume normal life. At The Genesis Group, donors complete cycles for one known intended parent or couple, and collected eggs are immediately used in the development of embryos.
For IVF patients: Your eggs are fertilized with sperm in the lab, and the resulting embryos are monitored and either transferred fresh or frozen for future transfer.
For egg freezing: Your mature eggs are frozen and stored until you’re ready to use them in the future.
Tips for a Smooth Recovery
Rest the day of the procedure. Plan a low-key day at home with no obligations.
Stay hydrated. Fluids help your body recover from both the procedure and medications.
Eat light meals. Some people feel a little nauseated after sedation.
Follow up with your clinic. Attend your scheduled post-retrieval appointments and call right away if you notice concerning symptoms.
Review our full checklist and keep track of your recovery through our free, downloadable Rest & Recovery Checklist and article here.
Feel Prepared for Your Next Journey
The egg retrieval process may feel intimidating at first, but it’s a well-practiced, safe, and highly effective procedure. By knowing what to expect, you can approach retrieval day with reassurance and confidence.
Ready to be the miracle for a family in need?
