By Dr. Deanna Guidozzi & Britney Winterton | Vitalab Fertility Clinic
If you’re preparing for an oocyte pick-up (OPU), also known as egg retrieval, it’s natural to feel a bit nervous or unsure about what happens during the procedure—especially since you’re under sedation and not awake to witness it. To help ease those concerns, we’re taking you behind the scenes of a real OPU procedure, performed by Dr. Deanna Guidozzi, with each step explained by Britney Winterton.
This guide is designed to help you feel informed and reassured about what to expect on the day of your egg retrieval.
What Is an Oocyte Pick-Up?
An oocyte pick-up is a key step in the IVF (in vitro fertilisation) process, where mature eggs are retrieved from your ovaries so they can later be fertilised in the laboratory. The procedure is performed under conscious sedation, which means you’ll be asleep and comfortable, but still breathing on your own.
Step-by-Step: The Egg Retrieval Process
Once you are comfortably sedated, the procedure begins.
Using ultrasound guidance, a thin, specialized needle is gently inserted through the vaginal wall and into each ovary. This needle is used to aspirate the follicular fluid, which contains the oocytes—commonly known as eggs.
The process is very precise and minimally invasive, with the entire retrieval typically taking between 13 to 15 minutes to complete.
What Happens to the Eggs After Retrieval?
The collected follicular fluid is immediately handed over to the embryology team in the laboratory. There, our skilled embryologists examine the fluid under high-powered microscopes to locate the eggs. These eggs are surrounded by something called the oocyte cumulus complex (COC), which helps us identify them during the examination.
Once identified, the eggs are carefully counted and recorded, and the number retrieved is shared with the rest of the medical team. The eggs are then placed into culture and prepared for the next step in the fertility journey—fertilisation.
Recovery and Aftercare
Following the procedure, patients are moved to recovery, where they are monitored briefly before being discharged. Most patients are able to return to normal daily activities within 24 hours, though some may experience mild cramping or bloating.
A Word of Reassurance
We understand that undergoing an OPU can feel daunting, especially when you’re unsure of what goes on while you’re asleep. That’s why we’re committed to transparency, comfort, and care at every stage of your fertility journey. This behind-the-scenes look aims to give you peace of mind and confidence as you take this important step toward parenthood.
If you have any questions or concerns about your upcoming procedure, our team is always here to guide and support you.
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