Ovarian follicular aspiration
Egg retrieval before in vitro fertilization (IVF)
After the successful completion of the Controlled Ovarian Hyperstimulation (COH) phase, when the follicles reach optimal sizes, the ovarian follicular puncture is performed — a key step in the in vitro procedures.
When is the puncture performed?
Your doctor will determine the exact timing of the procedure based on ultrasound monitoring. When the follicles are ready, you will receive precise instructions to administer an injection of the hormone Pregnyl – a medication that induces ovulation.
The puncture is performed between 34 and 36 hours after the injection, just before the expected ovulation, to retrieve the mature eggs.
How is the procedure performed?
The procedure is done under short-term intravenous anesthesia and is completely painless for the patient. It lasts about 15–20 minutes and is carried out as follows:
- Using transvaginal ultrasound, the doctor visualizes the mature follicles.
- A special thin needle attached to the ultrasound probe passes through the vaginal wall and reaches the ovaries.
- Each follicle is carefully aspirated – the egg and follicular fluid are collected.
- The fluid is immediately handed over to the embryologist, who isolates the eggs under a microscope and transfers them into a culture medium for subsequent fertilization in the laboratory.
Recovery after the procedure
After the puncture, the patient wakes up 5–10 minutes after the end of the procedure and remains under medical observation for about 1.5 to 2 hours in the recovery room. Usually, discharge happens the same day, with instructions for rest and medication intake.