In each scenario, the egg retrieval marks the end of the ovarian stimulation process. Whether you go on to create embryos immediately, or you choose to freeze your eggs for future use, you can feel confident that you’ve placed your trust in one of the most experienced teams in the United States. At NYU Langone Fertility Center, our outcomes speak to our expertise at each step of the fertility journey.
During the ovarian stimulation process, you will be prescribed fertility medications to stimulate your ovaries to mature numerous eggs. When your doctor determines you are ready, you will receive your trigger shot protocol. The trigger shot causes eggs to mature and release in preparation for retrieval. You will be given a specific time to administer the shot, and your retrieval will occur approximately 34-36 hours later.
Each patient responds to the egg retrieval procedure and anesthesia differently. Typically, recovery is straightforward with some mild to moderate cramping for a few hours directly following the procedure. Some patients choose to take oral pain medication following their discharge from the clinic.
Plan on spending the remainder of the day at home getting plenty of rest. While some patients recover quickly, it may take a few days for you to feel like yourself again.
Patients undergoing the in vitro fertilization (IVF) or egg freezing process at NYU Langone Fertility Center are required to attend an orientation session led by a member of our nursing staff prior to beginning the first cycle. Patients’ partners (if applicable) are encouraged to join the orientation if possible.
Please note: completion of an IVF or egg freezing cycle at another fertility center does not remove this obligation. All patients completing their first IVF or egg freezing cycle at NYU Langone Fertility Center must participate in this orientation. Orientation classes are held multiple times each week and are hosted on WebEx.
All patients will receive the appropriate consent forms (as determined by the type of treatment) by email prior to their scheduled orientation session. The NYU Langone Fertility Center orientation provides an overview of the upcoming cycle, along with a roadmap of our unique policies, financial and procedural information, consent documentation, and key staff contact information. After the orientation, patients have the opportunity to connect 1:1 with members of the nursing team to discuss their care plan and medication treatment protocol, and/or to speak with our billing and financial representatives to review and resolve any final payment questions.
The number of eggs retrieved during egg retrieval depends on a number of factors, including age and ovarian reserve. While your doctor will have an idea of how many eggs you can expect based upon follicular growth during ovarian stimulation, we won’t know the exact number of eggs until after retrieval.
Following retrieval, your eggs are assessed for maturity by our embryology team at NYU Langone Fertility Center. If you are freezing your eggs, they will be frozen using vitrification and stored until you are ready to use them. If you are creating embryos, your eggs will be combined with your designated sperm source to create embryos.
No! You should expect your period 10-12 days after your retrieval and subsequently, the return of your normal menstrual cycle.
During the retrieval procedure itself you will be sedated and unable to feel anything. Following the procedure, you may experience mild cramping that can typically be treated with over-the-counter pain medication. You may also feel slightly groggy, lightheaded, or nauseated for a few hours until the effects of the anesthesia have fully worn off.
In preparation for anesthesia, do not eat or drink anything for 6 hours prior to your egg retrieval.
Following your retrieval, avoid strenuous activity or operating heavy machinery until you feel 100%. Rest and hydration are your friends!
