Egg retrieval is done by the trans-vaginal ultrasound guided method, a non-surgical outpatient procedure. Egg retrievals are performed in the clinic of the fertility physician.

A sedative, called twilight, is given intravenously. This puts the patient into a state of semi-consciousness. A local anesthetic, lidocaine, will be given to numb the area of the vagina and cervix. The bladder will also be emptied with a catheter. A vaginal probe, which is a device with an ultrasound transducer on the tip, is introduced into the vagina. This allows the physician to see the ovaries and other pelvic structures. There is a needle guide attached to the vaginal probe, which the aspirating needle through the vaginal walls into the follicles. The follicular fluid is aspirated into a syringe.

The procedure takes approximately 30 minutes. You will stay in a recovery room to ensure that you have no unusual side effects from the medication. In most cases, you will be able to get dressed and go home about 2 hours after the procedure.

Following the procedure, the only thing you may experience is a little vaginal bleeding and some lower abdominal discomfort over the next few days, but generally, you may resume normal activities in the next day or two. You will most likely experience a heavier than normal period that month (usually about 12 days after the procedure). After that, the body resets itself and things are back to normal the following month. Donors with The Donor SOURCE can donate up to 5 times, but must wait 3 months between cycles.