On the day of egg collection, I would see you beforehand to talk you through the process, to put your mind at ease, to answer any final questions. I would see you in the presence of the scientist.
We will also go through the process of what we’ll do when we collect your eggs. The procedure can be done under local anaesthetic or sedation. Generally, we would do it under sedation, in which case you would meet the anaesthetist beforehand. We would then take you into the room where the procedure is performed. It’s done, it takes about 5 to 10 minutes. If it’s done under sedation, you won’t remember anything, except there’ll be a lot of people around there to support you and make sure that you’re okay. I would do the procedure transvaginally, using a transvaginal ultrasound to direct the needle into the follicles. You won’t be aware of any of that if it’s done under sedation. Then we would take you out to the recovery area where someone will look after you when you wake up. We’ll give you some morning tea, a cup of tea, and then we’d let your partner or support person know that it’s time to come and take you home. And then I would say just take it easy for the rest of the day of egg collection.
Dr. Jenny Cook is a Fertility Specialist who works at the Monash IVF clinic. She has published widely in the area of Gynaecological Laparoscopy and has presented at many national and international meetings.She is recognised for her experience in laparoscopic gynaecological procedures.
