Answering questions about preparing for egg retrieval

You aren’t alone if you have questions about preparing for the egg retrieval. After the medications and monitoring appointments, the grand finale is the egg retrieval procedure. Although our California egg donation agency does not perform the procedure, our staff is knowledgeable about the process. Our team wants to help you prepare for it so that you have the best experience possible – as you give the ultimate gift to hopeful parents.

Answering questions about preparing for egg retrieval

You are not alone if you have questions about preparing for egg retrieval. After the medications and monitoring appointments, the grand finale is the egg retrieval procedure. Although our California egg donation agency does not perform the procedure, our staff is knowledgeable about the process. Our team is available to help you prepare for the egg retrieval, so you have the best experience possible – as you give the ultimate gift to hopeful parents.

Understanding the egg retrieval procedure

One of the ways we recommend preparing for egg retrieval is to understand the process. On the day of your egg retrieval, you will visit your fertility specialist for the approximately 30-45 minute procedure.

You will receive IV medication to keep you comfortable and sedated. Then, your fertility specialist will retrieve the eggs using ultrasound guidance to pass a needle through your vagina and into your ovaries. Your doctor will gently remove your eggs from the follicles before sending them to the laboratory for fertilization.

There are no incisions or stitches during your egg retrieval. However, you will have a short recovery period at the fertility specialist’s office or surgery center before you go home to rest for the remainder of the day. You must have someone available to drive you home.

Tips for preparing for egg retrieval

You can take steps to prepare in the days leading up to your retrieval as well as on the day of the procedure. Our California egg donation agency has several recommendations for preparing for the retrieval.

Take it easy on exercise. You may want to exercise to reduce the bloating due to fertility medications. However, we don’t recommend it as you get close to the retrieval. Your ovaries are enlarged and can run the risk of getting twisted (ovarian torsion). The bloating is only temporary and usually is gone within seven to 10 days after the egg retrieval. It is recommended you don’t work out until your first period after the retrieval (about two weeks). Each donor is different, so please discuss any concerns and restrictions for exercise with your fertility doctor.

Get plenty of sleep. You might feel tired as you go through the egg donation process, so don’t feel guilty for taking naps before or after your retrieval.

Be available for one full day off on the day of retrieval. Egg retrieval procedures are usually performed in the early morning so that women can spend the afternoon and evening resting. It can vary among donors, but we suggest you plan on taking off a few days after the egg retrieval.  A doctor’s note can be provided upon request

Have someone to drive you home. You will be recovering from IV sedation after your egg retrieval, so you will need to make sure someone that you know is available to drive you home. You cannot take an Uber or any other form of public transportation.

Reach out for support. Egg donation is a beautiful and emotional process, so don’t hesitate to reach out to friends, family or the team at our California egg donation agency for support. Sharing your thoughts and emotions can be very helpful.

Contact our agency if you have any questions about becoming an egg donor or preparing for egg retrieval. We are happy to walk you through the process and offer suggestions.