Egg Collection
For many couples, dealing with infertility can be a difficult and emotional journey.
Fortunately, advancements in reproductive medicine, particularly in vitro Fertilization (IVF), offer hope and solutions. Egg collection is a critical step in the IVF process.
Dr Salem El Shawarby, an expert in reproductive medicine and infertility, emphasises the significance of providing comprehensive care and support to individuals undergoing IVF egg collection in Abu Dhabi. This approach ensures the best possible results and emotional well-being throughout the journey.
Understanding IVF Egg Collection
IVF egg collection, also known as egg retrieval or oocyte retrieval, is a critical step in the IVF process.
In this procedure, mature eggs are harvested from the ovaries and then fertilized with sperm in a lab to produce embryos. These embryos are then monitored for development before being transferred back into the uterus for implantation.
Who Can Benefit from the IVF Egg Collection
Egg collection IVF can benefit various individuals and couples experiencing fertility challenges:
- Women with blocked or damaged fallopian tubes
- Women with ovulation disorders
- Males with low sperm count
- Couples with unexplained infertility
- Couples with concerns about genetic disorders
Egg collection procedure IVF enables fertility preservation for cancer patients before treatment or for women wishing to delay childbirth, allowing them to freeze eggs for future conception.
Preparing for IVF Egg Collection
Preparing for egg collection IVF with Dr Salem involves a comprehensive approach to optimise outcomes:
Dr Salem will review your medical history, perform necessary tests, and explain the IVF process in detail. This initial consultation gives you the opportunity to ask questions, address concerns, and create a personalised treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.
To optimise the number of mature eggs retrieved, ovarian stimulation medications are typically prescribed. These medicines stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs instead of a single egg, which is usually released during a natural menstrual cycle.
Follicles are fluid-filled sacs within the ovaries that house developing eggs. Throughout the stimulation phase, Dr Salem will use ultrasound scans to track the growth and maturity of these follicles.
When the follicles have reached the appropriate size and the eggs are confirmed to be mature, the egg retrieval procedure for IVF can be arranged.
IVF Egg Collection Process
The egg collection procedure is conducted under general anaesthesia or sedation.
The procedure, which typically lasts about 30 minutes, is guided by ultrasound. A long needle is precisely inserted through a needle guide attached to the ultrasound probe. Each follicle is punctured under direct visualisation, and the fluid containing the eggs is carefully aspirated.
Immediately following collection, the fluid is transported to the IVF lab. There, skilled embryologists, isolate the eggs and place them in incubators to optimise conditions for fertilisation and subsequent embryo development.
Lab Analysis and Fertilization
The retrieved eggs are then combined with a sperm in a lab setting through a process called fertilisation.
Embryos are then cultured in the IVF lab for 2-5 days before one or more are transferred into the uterus during the embryo transfer procedure. Optionally, remaining high-quality embryos can be cryopreserved for future use.
Fourteen days after egg retrieval, a blood test is conducted to detect HCG, the hormone indicative of pregnancy, providing the news we eagerly await.
Recovering After Egg Collection
Following egg collection, you might experience mild cramping or discomfort similar to menstrual cramps.
These side effects are usually temporary and can be controlled with pain medication as prescribed by Dr Salem. Occasionally, some nausea might also occur, which usually disappears within a few hours.
How Many Eggs are Collected During the IVF Procedure
The number of eggs collected during an IVF procedure varies widely depending on factors like the woman’s age, ovarian reserve, and response to ovarian stimulation.
On average, 8-12 eggs are typically retrieved. However, this can range from just a few to over 20 eggs in some cases. The quality and quantity of retrieved eggs significantly impact the success of IVF treatment.
Dr Salem El Shawarby- Optimising IVF Egg Collection with Advanced Techniques
IVF egg collection is enhanced with advanced techniques under the care of Dr Salem El Shawarby, a renowned reproductive medicine consultant with over 30 years of experience. His personalised approach ensures patients receive the highest standard of care during egg collection procedures.
For expert guidance and advanced IVF egg collection techniques, contact Dr Salem El Shawarby today.
