Journal of Fertilization: In Vitro - IVF-Worldwide, Reproductive Medicine, Genetics & Stem Cell Biol
Open Access

Pivotal Progress of Egg Retrieval Phase in IVF for Fertility Enhancement

Aosid Kirzae^{* *}Correspondence: Aosid Kirzae, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland, Email:

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About the Study

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is a recent advancement in assisted reproductive technology that offers hope to individuals and couples suffering from infertility. The process of IVF involves various phases, with each playing a vital role in the journey to parenthood. Among these phases, collection of egg is important as an important stage in the IVF process, as it directly influences the quantity and quality of eggs available for fertilization. Advancements in this phase have led to increased success rates, reduced patient discomfort, and improved safety. Innovations such as transvaginal ultrasound-guided aspiration and minimally invasive techniques have made the procedure more efficient and less interruptions.

Importance of egg retrieval in IVF

Egg retrieval, also known as oocyte retrieval, is an important step in IVF. The primary purpose is to collect mature eggs from the ovaries, which will later be fertilized with sperm in a laboratory to create embryos. In IVF, egg retrieval plays a role in various levels:

Quantity and quality of eggs: The number and quality of eggs retrieved significantly impact the success of an IVF cycle. A higher number of eggs provides more opportunities for successful fertilization and the development of healthy embryos.

Timing: Egg retrieval is exactly coordinated to correspond with the expected ovulation, ensuring that mature eggs are collected at a suitable time for fertilization. Timing is important to achieving a successful IVF cycle.

Steps in the egg retrieval phase

The egg retrieval phase involves several steps, including preparatory measures, the retrieval process, and post-retrieval care.

Ovarian stimulation: Before egg retrieval, patients undergo ovarian stimulation to promote the growth and maturation of multiple follicles (each containing an egg). This is usually carried out through hormone injections that stimulate the ovaries over a period of about 8 to 12 days. The goal is to increase the number of eggs available for retrieval.

Monitoring: Throughout the ovarian stimulation phase, patients undergo regular monitoring through transvaginal ultrasounds and blood tests. These assessments help the healthcare team determine the optimal time for egg retrieval, ensuring that the eggs are mature and ready for collection.

Trigger injection: Once the follicles have reached the desired size, a trigger injection of HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) or an agonist is administered to trigger the final maturation of the eggs. This injection is timed precisely to ensure that the eggs are collected at the optimal stage of development.

Egg retrieval procedure

Egg retrieval is typically scheduled 34 to 36 hours after the trigger injection. The procedure is performed under conscious sedation or general anaesthesia to ensure the patient's comfort. The key steps involved are:

Ultrasound-guided procedure: A transvaginal ultrasound probe is used to guide a thin, hollow needle through the vaginal wall and into the ovaries. The ultrasound helps the healthcare provider visualize the ovaries and locate the follicles containing mature eggs.

Aspiration: Once the needle is in place, a medium suction is applied to aspirate the fluid and eggs from the follicles. Each follicle is punctured individually, and the eggs are collected one by one.

Collection and identification: The aspirated fluid is immediately handed over to the embryologist, who identifies the eggs and assesses their quality. The healthy eggs are then stored in a culture medium.

Patient recovery: Following the procedure, patients are monitored in a recovery area for a few hours to ensure their well-being. Some women may experience severe cramps or discomfort, which is usually managed with counter pain relievers.

Fertilization: After egg retrieval, the collected eggs are fertilized with sperm in a laboratory setting using one of two common methods: conventional insemination, where sperm is placed in a close range to the eggs, or Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI), where a single sperm is directly injected into each egg. The fertilized eggs develop into embryos over the next few days.

Embryo transfer: Embryo transfer typically occurs 3 to 6 days after egg retrieval, when the embryos are at the blastocyst stage. During this phase, one or more healthy embryos are carefully selected and transferred into the woman's uterus, in order to achieve implantation and a successful pregnancy.

Conclusion

Egg retrieval is a vital phase in the IVF process, impacting the quantity and quality of eggs available for fertilization and subsequent embryo transfer. Patients should have a clear understanding of the steps involved in egg retrieval and what to expect during and after the procedure. With the advancements in IVF technology and the dedication of fertility experts, egg retrieval has become a well-established and relatively routine procedure in the journey to parenthood. This success has a tremendous impact on the overall IVF cycle, ultimately bringing hope to individuals and couples striving to realize their dreams of having a family.