Essential Preparations for Egg Retrieval
Assisted reproduction through in vitro fertilization (IVF) can be exciting and provide your best chance of becoming a parent. The egg retrieval process is a crucial stage of IVF. It plays a pivotal role in harvesting eggs for fertilization. In this blog, we’ll walk you through the preparations and steps of egg retrieval, from preparation to post-retrieval care, while highlighting important do’s and don’ts.
Choose The Time That’s Right For You
At the V Fertility Center at Vejthani Hospital in Bangkok, we have over 15 years of experience in a range of assisted fertility treatments and services, many of which include the crucial step of egg retrieval for immediate conception. However, egg retrieval is also a viable procedure for people who are not yet ready to become parents.
V Fertility Center in Bangkok offers an egg freezing package that allows women to have their eggs cryogenically frozen until they are ready to have a child.
Preparation for Egg Retrieval
Before undergoing egg retrieval, it’s important to prepare your body. Here are some important guidelines to follow:
Avoid an Unhealthy Lifestyle
Prioritize your health by avoiding habits like smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and recreational drug use, which can negatively impact fertility.
Eat Healthy Foods
To support reproductive health, nourish your body with a balanced diet containing lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats.
Avoid Unhealthy Chemicals
Minimize exposure to harmful chemicals found in household cleaners, pesticides, and beauty products, as they may interfere with fertility.
Take Fertility Supplements
Consult your healthcare provider about taking supplements like folic acid, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids, which can help support reproductive function.
At V Fertility Center, we recommend three months of preparations following the guidelines listed above to ensure the quality of the eggs and optimize your ovarian function.
The Egg Retrieval Process
Your months of egg retrieval preparation will lead up to your big day. During egg retrieval, also known as oocyte retrieval, eggs are retrieved from the ovaries using a minimally invasive procedure involving transvaginal aspiration guided by a needle. You should arrange for transportation to and from the fertility clinic on the day of egg retrieval, as sedation will be administered during the procedure.
Here’s what to expect during the egg retrieval process:
Ovarian Stimulation
Prior to retrieval, you’ll undergo ovarian stimulation with fertility medications to foster the development of multiple mature eggs.
Ultrasound-Guided Retrieval
Under sedation, a thin, ultrasound-guided needle is inserted through the vaginal wall to access the ovaries and aspirate the follicular fluid containing the eggs.
Egg Collection
The fluid from the follicles is collected, and the eggs are identified and isolated by the embryologist in the embryology laboratory for further egg freezing.
What to Do After Egg Retrieval
After egg retrieval, it’s important to take care of yourself and follow your doctor’s instructions to ensure a smooth recovery. Here are some key steps to follow:
Eat Well
You can return to your regular diet, focusing on nourishing foods to support your recovery. However, you should still practice healthy eating habits and avoid an unhealthy lifestyle that negatively impacts your ability to conceive.
Light Vaginal Bleeding
It’s normal to experience light vaginal bleeding or spotting for a few days after retrieval.
Pain relief
If you experience discomfort, you can take up to 650 mg of acetaminophen for pain relief.
Avoid Heavy Lifting
Refrain from engaging in heavy lifting or strenuous activities for at least 24 hours following retrieval to prevent complications.
No Sexual Intercourse
It’s advisable to abstain from sexual intercourse for two weeks to allow for proper healing and reduce the risk of infection and complications from twisted ovaries.
Our Fertility Services at V Fertility Center
At V Fertility Center, located at Vejthani Hospital, we offer a comprehensive range of fertility services to support individuals and couples in their efforts to become parents. Our services include:
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
A leading assisted reproductive technology that involves fertilizing eggs with sperm in a laboratory setting. Egg retrieval is a step in every IVF program.
Egg Freezing
Preserving a woman’s eggs for future use offers reproductive flexibility and peace of mind.
Preimplantation Genetic Testing
Screening embryos for genetic abnormalities before implantation is vital to improve the chances of a successful pregnancy.
Make an Appointment at V Fertility Center
If you’re experiencing difficulties conceiving or considering fertility treatment, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with a fertility specialist at V Fertility Center. Our experienced team is dedicated to providing personalized care and compassionate support to help you start a family. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
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