Egg Retrieval (Oocyte Aspiration)
Egg retrieval is a gentle, painless, and vital step in an in vitro fertilization cycle. Performed under light twilight sedation in our private Reston procedure suite, Dr. Fady Sharara carefully aspirates mature follicles to collect eggs for laboratory fertilization.
Boutique Procedure Suite
Performed with gentle Propofol sedation, high-resolution ultrasound guidance, and immediate Class 100 lab transfer.
Schedule Consultation (703) 437-7722Preparing for Your Egg Retrieval: The 35-Hour Trigger
During the ovarian stimulation phase of your IVF cycle, Dr. Sharara closely monitors follicular development with ultrasound and estradiol blood tests. When the lead cohort of follicles reaches 18–20 mm, you will receive exact instructions for your final maturation trigger shot.
The trigger injection (human chorionic gonadotropin - hCG or Lupron) triggers the final maturation of eggs inside the follicles. The egg retrieval is scheduled exactly 35 hours following the trigger shot.
Essential Day-of Preparation Checklist
- Strict Fasting (NPO): Do not eat or drink anything (including water, coffee, or chewing gum) after midnight the night before your procedure.
- Arrival Time: Arrive at our Reston clinic 30 minutes prior to your scheduled time (typically scheduled between 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM).
- Attire: Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. Do not wear jewelry, makeup, contact lenses, or perfume/scented lotions (volatile organic compounds can harm gametes in the lab).
- Transportation: Because you will receive twilight sedation, you must have a designated adult driver take you home.
How the Egg Retrieval Procedure Works
The entire aspiration procedure takes only 15 to 20 minutes and is performed in our tranquil procedure suite:
1. Twilight Sedation
Our board-certified anesthesiologist administers intravenous Propofol. You drift into a comfortable, twilight sleep without the need for a breathing tube or intubation.
2. Ultrasound Guidance
Dr. Sharara inserts a specialized transvaginal ultrasound probe equipped with an ultra-thin needle guide to visualize every ovarian follicle clearly.
3. Follicle Aspiration
A gentle vacuum draws follicular fluid and the microscopic egg directly into sterile, heated test tubes—completely avoiding surgical incisions.
4. Direct Lab Transfer
Tubes are passed immediately into our adjacent IVF cleanroom laboratory, where embryologists identify and count mature oocytes.
Sperm Collection & Insemination Preparation
If fresh partner sperm is used for fertilization, the male partner provides a semen sample in our private collection room immediately following the egg retrieval.
Our andrology laboratory prepares the sample using advanced gradient washing or ZyMōt™ microfluidic sperm separation to select highly motile sperm with minimal DNA fragmentation. Approximately 3 to 4 hours post-retrieval, the eggs are fertilized via conventional insemination or ICSI.
What to Expect After Your Retrieval & Recovery
Following the procedure, you will rest in our recovery area for 30 to 45 minutes while the sedation wears off. Dr. Sharara will visit you to report the exact number of eggs retrieved before you are discharged home.
Home Care & Pain Management
Mild abdominal cramping, pelvic heaviness, and light vaginal spotting are completely normal. Take Tylenol (acetaminophen) for discomfort. Avoid NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, Advil, Motrin, Aleve, or aspirin, as they thin the blood and increase post-operative bleeding risks. Rest for the remainder of the day.
When to Call Our Office Immediately
Contact VCRM immediately if you experience: fever over 101°F, heavy vaginal bleeding (soaking through a sanitary pad in 1–2 hours), severe or worsening abdominal pain not relieved by Tylenol, dizziness, or shortness of breath.
Understanding Multiple Pregnancy & IVF Safety
Watch this educational video from the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) exploring how advanced IVF protocols and single embryo transfer optimize pregnancy safety:
Frequently Asked Questions About Egg Retrieval
Will I feel any pain during the egg retrieval?
No. You are completely asleep under intravenous twilight sedation with Propofol and will feel zero pain or discomfort during the aspiration procedure.
How many eggs will be retrieved?
The number of eggs retrieved varies widely based on age, ovarian reserve (AMH/AFC), and medication response. Dr. Sharara will provide a projected estimate during your final monitoring ultrasounds and confirm the exact count immediately after the procedure.
When can I return to work and exercise?
Most patients take the day of retrieval off to rest and return to non-strenuous work the following morning. High-impact exercise, heavy lifting, hot tubs, and intercourse should be avoided until after your next menstrual period to prevent ovarian torsion.
Dr. Fady I. Sharara, M.D., FACOG
Medical Director at VCRM, Clinical Professor at George Washington University, having performed thousands of successful, gentle transvaginal oocyte aspirations over 25+ years.
Comfortable, Personalized IVF at VCRM
Schedule your one-on-one consultation with Dr. Fady Sharara to learn more about our gentle egg retrieval protocols and world-class laboratory outcomes.