Egg Collection Procedure in IVF: What to Expect

If you’re preparing for IVF, the egg collection procedure is a big milestone. It’s often the part of the process where things start to feel real—and understandably, it can bring up a lot of emotions.

Whether you’re feeling nervous, excited, or both, knowing exactly what happens during egg collection can help ease any anxiety. At fertie, we believe that knowledge is power, and we’re here to guide you through every step.

What Is the Egg Collection Procedure?

Egg collection, also called egg retrieval, is a minor surgical procedure where mature eggs are collected from your ovaries. These eggs are then fertilised in the lab as part of the IVF process.

For most people, this is a quick and straightforward procedure that’s done under light sedation. It typically takes 20 to 30 minutes and you’ll go home the same day.

How Do You Prepare for Egg Collection?

Preparation for egg retrieval starts weeks before the actual procedure.

Ovarian Stimulation (10–14 days)

You’ll take hormone injections to stimulate your ovaries to produce multiple follicles, each potentially containing an egg. Your clinic will monitor your progress with ultrasounds and blood tests.

Trigger Shot (36 Hours Before)

Once your follicles are ready, you’ll take a trigger injection (usually hCG or a GnRH agonist). This helps your eggs mature and times ovulation perfectly for collection.

Timing is key. Your clinic will carefully schedule your egg retrieval 36 hours after the trigger shot to collect the eggs before ovulation.

What Happens During the Procedure?

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of what happens on the day of egg collection.

1. Checking In at the Clinic

You’ll arrive at the clinic in the morning. Most people are asked to fast overnight. After check-in, your care team will help you get settled and answer any last-minute questions.

2. Sedation or Light Anesthesia

You’ll be given light sedation or anesthesia, so you’ll be asleep during the procedure. You won’t feel pain, and many people describe waking up feeling like it was over in minutes.

3. The Egg Retrieval Process

• Your doctor uses ultrasound guidance to insert a thin needle through the vaginal wall into each follicle in your ovaries.

• The needle gently removes the follicular fluid, which contains the eggs.

• The entire process usually takes 20–30 minutes, depending on the number of follicles.

What Happens After Egg Collection?

Recovery

You’ll rest at the clinic for about 1-2 hours after the procedure. Once you’re feeling steady, you’ll be allowed to go home (you’ll need someone to drive you).

Most people experience:

• Mild cramping or bloating

• Spotting for a day or two

• Fatigue from the sedation

You’ll likely feel back to normal within 24–48 hours, though your doctor might recommend avoiding strenuous activity and sex for a short time.

How Many Eggs Will Be Collected?

This varies from person to person. The number of eggs collected depends on factors like:

• Your age

• Your ovarian reserve

• How your body responded to the stimulation medications

On average, clinics retrieve 8 to 15 eggs, but it’s completely normal to have more or fewer. Remember: not every egg will be mature or fertilize, so quantity doesn’t tell the full story.

What’s Next After Egg Retrieval?

After your eggs are collected:

1. Embryologists assess the eggs to see how many are mature.

2. Mature eggs are fertilized with sperm (IVF or ICSI).

3. Embryos are monitored for development over 3–5 days.

4. You may have a fresh embryo transfer shortly after, or your embryos may be frozen for transfer at a later time.

Personal Insight: What Egg Collection Felt Like for Me

“When I woke up after egg retrieval, I remember feeling surprised that it was over so quickly. The build-up felt huge, but the actual procedure was smooth and easier than I expected. I had some bloating for a couple of days, but it passed quickly—and knowing my eggs were safely in the lab made it all worth it.”
— fertie Community Member

Final Thoughts

Egg collection is a major step in the IVF process—and it’s completely normal to feel a mix of nerves and excitement as you approach it. While the lead-up can feel intense, the procedure itself is usually quick, low-risk, and over before you know it.

Recovery tends to be mild, and your care team will be with you throughout. Whether you collect five eggs or fifteen, what matters most is how you're cared for—and how supported you feel—through the experience.

You’re not just going through a procedure. You’re investing in a possibility. And knowing what to expect can make the entire process feel a little less overwhelming, and a lot more empowering.

👉 Inside our Fertility 101 course, we walk you through every stage of IVF, including how to prepare for egg collection, what recovery looks like, and how to emotionally navigate it all—with real insights from experts and others who’ve been through it too.

You don’t have to figure it all out alone. We’re here to help you feel informed, supported, and ready—every step of the way.

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Disclaimer: Prices and treatment protocols vary by clinic and individual. Always consult with your fertility specialist for accurate, up-to-date pricing and guidance tailored to your situation.