Oocyte Collection
Fertility drugs, typically gonadotropins, are prescribed to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple oocytes. Regular ultrasounds and blood tests are used to monitor the ovarian response and adjust medication dosage accordingly.
To induce final oocyte maturation at a precise time, a ‘trigger’ injection is administered, typically followed by oocyte collection 34 to 36 hours later.
Oocyte collection is performed under sedation or anesthesia. Using ultrasound guidance, a thin needle is inserted through the vaginal wall into the ovaries to retrieve the oocytes. Patients may experience mild cramping or spotting afterward, but recovery is typically quick.
