The ovum pick-up or egg collection technique consists of transvaginal aspiration of oocytes from the ovarian follicle using an ultrasound probe. The oocytes are then fertilized in vitro on the same day of egg retrieval and retained in the incubator until the development of an embryo,  is suitable for transfer into the uterus.

Procedure

Ovum pickup is a non-invasive procedure. The patient is advised not to eat anything for at least 6 hours and not to drink anything for at least 4 hours before the procedure. 

Just before the procedure, the patient is asked to empty her bladder. The ovum pick-up procedure is done under general or local intravenous anesthesia. During the procedure, a thin long needle is passed through the vaginal fornix under ultrasound guidance. The ultrasound guidance helps in visualizing ovaries and eggs containing follicles.  The tip of the needle is inserted into each follicle to aspirate follicular fluid containing oocytes. It usually takes 15 minutes to 30 minutes for ovum pick up.  The patient can go home after taking short rest.

Care after procedure

Avoid driving immediately after the procedure 

• Avoid heavy physical activities
• Have rest for a day or two 
• In case of any nausea, vomiting, or lower abdominal pain, take medicine as prescribed by your gynecologist
• In case of severe symptoms like sharp abdominal pain, fever, or vaginal bleeding, immediately contact to your gynecologist