Egg Collection and IVF Treatment
Women who approach an IVF clinic in Delhi should be aware of the fact that it is not a simple procedure. In fact, IVF treatment comprises of a series of steps. It starts with ovarian stimulation, which yields numerous viable eggs that can be used for the treatment. Following this, comes the crucial step of egg collection, also termed as egg retrieval. It is a delicate procedure which is to be done with great precaution and care.
Egg collection is done surgically and it has a considerable influence on the success rate of the IVF cycle. Therefore, it is important for the patient to be aware of all that is expected on the fateful day of egg collection. At the same time, it is vital to look for someone trained and experienced enough to perform it well. For this purpose, patients should rely only on the best IVF center in Delhi.
What to expect on the egg collection day?
A patient undergoing treatment at an IVF center in Delhi will be prepared for the cycle by administrating a trigger shot of hCG. This hormone ensures that the oocytes (eggs) are mature at the time of egg collection. Egg collection is a surgical procedure done at an out-patient basis. A fine, hollow needle is inserted in the vagina using ultrasound guidance. The needle is guided to the ovary and follicular fluid is aspirated from it.
The embryologist then examines the fluid microscopically and removes the eggs from it. After this, they are taken to the IVF lab for the next stage, which is embryo culture. Egg collection takes about 20-30 minutes in all. It is done under mild sedative to minimize any discomfort or pain. After the procedure, an antibiotic course has to be taken for reducing the risk of infection.
On an average, every egg collection cycle yields 12 eggs, though the number may vary from patient to patient. In rare cases, the follicle may even be empty, which happens in only 1% of the IVF cycles. Another possible complication in egg collection is that related to abnormal positioning of ovaries. For such women, the eggs have to be collected by inserting the needle through abdominal wall rather than the vagina.
Preparing for egg collection
Normally, egg collection is regarded as a safe and simple procedure, provided it is done by an expert. However, a woman should be well-prepared to maximize the chances of success as well as stay safe during egg collection. It is better to have it done during the morning or afternoon. The woman should not eat or drink anything a night before egg collection. She has to be at the clinic half a hour before so that a cardiograph can be done.
The medical team would also assess the overall health of the patient, with questions related to health conditions and allergies. Since the process involves sedation, the patient should be accompanied by her partner, friend or relative. She should also prepare herself well for the IVF treatment cycle with healthy diet and lifestyle. Getting the treatment done at a trusted IVF clinic in Delhi is also crucial. It increases the chances of the success of egg collection as well as those of the entire cycle.
Side effects of egg collection
Egg collection is relatively safe and there are seldom any risks involved. However, certain side effects may crop up for some patients and they need to be aware about these. Experiencing pelvic or abdominal pain after the procedure is normal. Warm compress and pain killers can offer relief but persistent pain warrants medical attention. Nausea and vomiting are common too and they can be attributed to anesthetics administered during egg retrieval.
Vaginal bleeding is a symptom to be more careful about. If a woman comes across heavy and red colored bleeding, she must see the specialist immediately. On the other hand, minimal, dark-colored bleeding is a normal symptom. Very few women can come across more serious risks of pelvic infection and damage to internal organs. The chances can be minimized by choosing the best IVF clinic in Delhi for a safe and successful IVF treatment cycle.