Egg Retrieval Side Effects

Are there any egg retrieval side effects?

The egg retrieval procedure at Bay IVF only takes a few minutes (usually 5 to 10) and is very safe. It typically has no complications or side effects.

We use very comfortable conscious sedation for analgesia. As a result, most of our patients sleep through the brief procedure without the need for general anesthesia. This way, any potential side effects of general anesthesia are avoided.

Since 1985, we have done many thousands of egg retrievals and are very experienced in retrieving eggs from the ovaries.

Theoretical egg retrieval side effects may include

• Infection
  Bacteria normally present in the vagina may be inadvertently transferred into the abdominal cavity by the needle. The estimated incidence of infection after egg retrieval is less than 1 in 1,000. Prophylactic antibiotics are used before the egg retrieval procedure to reduce the risk of pelvic or abdominal infection.
• Bleeding
  The needle passes through the vaginal wall and into the ovary to obtain the eggs. Both of these structures contain blood vessels. The incidence of major bleeding problems has been estimated to be less than 1 in 1,000.
• Trauma
  Despite the use of ultrasound guidance, it is possible to damage other intra-abdominal organs during egg retrieval. The risk of such trauma is very low.
• Analgesia
  The use of analgesia during egg retrieval can produce unintended complications such as an allergic reaction, low blood pressure, and nausea or vomiting.
• Failure
  It is possible that egg retrieval will fail to obtain any eggs, or the eggs may be abnormal or of poor quality and otherwise fail to produce a viable pregnancy.

In conclusion, egg retrieval side effects are extremely rare. Oocyte retrieval is a very safe procedure, especially if the use of general anesthesia is avoided.