Egg retrieval for IVF

The egg retrieval process

The egg retrieval process, particularly for international patients coming to Mexico, is a meticulously planned and essential step in the in vitro fertilization journey.

This procedure is designed to maximize the chances of successful fertilization and subsequent pregnancy.

Before the retrieval, patients undergo a tailored regimen of hormonal stimulation to ensure the maturation of multiple eggs.

This preparation phase is closely monitored through ultrasounds and blood tests, enabling Dr. Castillo Peláez to optimize the timing for the egg retrieval.

The process itself is minimally invasive and performed under sedation to ensure patient comfort. Using a fine needle guided by ultrasound, mature eggs are aspirated from the ovarian follicles and then immediately handed over to the embryology team for fertilization.

Post-retrieval, Dr. Castillo Peláez provides comprehensive care to ensure a smooth recovery and to monitor the patient’s progress.

Patients receive detailed instructions on managing any discomfort and are advised on the next steps, including the fertilization process and embryo transfer.

Preparation steps before egg retrieval

The preparation steps before egg retrieval are critical to ensuring the success of the IVF process.

Initially, patients undergo a comprehensive evaluation, including a thorough medical history review, physical examination, and baseline hormonal assessments. This evaluation helps to identify any underlying conditions that might affect the response to ovarian stimulation.

The patient's ovarian reserve is assessed through blood tests measuring levels of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), as well as through an antral follicle count via transvaginal ultrasound.

These assessments provide essential information for tailoring the hormonal stimulation protocol to the patient's individual needs, optimizing the chances of retrieving a sufficient number of high-quality eggs.

Once the preliminary assessments are complete, the patient begins the ovarian stimulation phase. This involves administering a series of hormonal injections designed to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple mature eggs simultaneously.

Typically, this regimen includes gonadotropins, which are hormones that directly stimulate the ovarian follicles, and GnRH antagonists or agonists to prevent premature ovulation.

The dosage and combination of these medications are carefully adjusted based on the patient’s response, which is monitored through regular ultrasounds and blood tests measuring estradiol levels.

These monitoring appointments are crucial for ensuring that the follicles are developing appropriately and that the timing of the trigger injection, which induces the final maturation of the eggs, is optimal.

In the days leading up to the egg retrieval, the patient will receive a trigger injection of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) or a GnRH agonist.

This injection mimics the natural luteinizing hormone surge that triggers ovulation, ensuring that the eggs reach full maturity before retrieval.

The timing of this injection is critical and is scheduled precisely 34 to 36 hours before the egg retrieval procedure to maximize the chances of collecting mature eggs.

During this period, patients are advised to avoid strenuous activities and to follow specific dietary and hydration guidelines to prepare their bodies for the upcoming procedure.

The egg retrieval procedure explained

The retrieval is typically performed under conscious sedation or light anesthesia to ensure patient comfort.

The process begins with the insertion of a transvaginal ultrasound probe to visualize the ovaries and guide the retrieval.

A thin needle, attached to the ultrasound probe, is then carefully inserted through the vaginal wall into the ovarian follicles. Each follicle is aspirated individually, using gentle suction to retrieve the mature eggs.

The entire procedure usually takes about 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the number of follicles to be aspirated. Patients are closely monitored throughout to ensure their safety and well-being.

Once the eggs are retrieved, they are immediately handed over to the embryology team for evaluation and preparation for fertilization.

The retrieved eggs are placed in a specialized culture medium and assessed for maturity and quality. This step is crucial as only mature eggs can be successfully fertilized.

Following the retrieval, patients are monitored in a recovery area for a short period to ensure there are no immediate complications from the procedure.

Mild cramping and spotting are common post-procedure symptoms, and patients are typically advised to rest for the remainder of the day.

Detailed post-procedure instructions, including the management of any discomfort and the next steps in the IVF process, are provided to ensure a smooth recovery and optimal preparation for the subsequent stages of treatment.