Is there a risk from the procedure itself?
Serious complications are rare (less than 1%). Minor bleeding or infection at the needle site is possible. Your team will give you specific aftercare instructions.
IVF Process & Procedures
Egg retrieval (OPU) is when your doctor collects mature eggs from your follicles. It takes ~20 minutes under sedation — most women find it far less daunting than expected.
You come to the clinic fasting that is, without eating or drinking for six hours. You receive intravenous sedation, which will keep you sleepy and pain-free. Your doctor removes fluid from each mature follicle using a small needle that is guided by transvaginal ultrasonography. Within minutes of aspiration, the embryology team in the nearby lab processes the fluid, finding and counting mature eggs.
There is no pain during the procedure since anaesthesia keeps it from happening. Some women have moderate lower abdomen cramps or pressure as soon as they wake up, which is similar to period pain. This typically lasts a few hours and is managed with paracetamol. A small number of women experience nausea from the sedation. You will be monitored in the recovery room for 1–2 hours before going home. Someone must accompany you — you cannot drive after sedation.
Bloating, mild spotting, and fatigue are normal for 1–2 days. Most women return to desk work the next day. Avoid strenuous exercise for 5–7 days. Your embryology team will call you the following morning to report how many eggs fertilised overnight. This is one of the most anxious moments of an IVF cycle, expect a call by mid-morning.
Q: Is there a risk from the procedure itself?
A: Serious complications are rare (less than 1%). Minor bleeding or infection at the needle site is possible. Your team will give you specific aftercare instructions.
Q: What if fewer eggs are retrieved than expected?
A: A developed egg is not found in every follicle. The consequences for your cycle and whether the result falls within the expected range based on your scans will be discussed by your doctor.
Q: Can I eat normally the evening after retrieval?
A: Yes, start with light food when you feel ready. Avoid alcohol for at least 48 hours. Staying hydrated supports recovery.
Serious complications are rare (less than 1%). Minor bleeding or infection at the needle site is possible. Your team will give you specific aftercare instructions.
A developed egg is not found in every follicle. The consequences for your cycle and whether the result falls within the expected range based on your scans will be discussed by your doctor.
Yes, start with light food when you feel ready. Avoid alcohol for at least 48 hours. Staying hydrated supports recovery.