The process of collecting oocytes (eggs) by aspirating the follicular fluid is called ovum pickup (OPU). It is also known as oocyte aspiration or oocyte collection. You may be sedated or given an epidural anesthetic before having the OPU procedure done. Follicles of size 16 to 18mm are good for optimal OPU. If your follicles are not attained this size, your doctor may ask to continue stimulation for a few more days. Oocytes are too tiny (125-150mm) to be seen by ultrasonography on their own. By placing an ultrasonic probe with a needle guide into the vagina, the follicles, each of which contains a single egg, may then be aspirated.
The ovary is then pressed against the vaginal wall while being clasped by the rectum. To improve oocyte recovery, 1 cm of each follicle’s fluid is drained and then flushed a few times.
What is the process of ovum pick-up?
Ovum pick-up is the procedure used to remove eggs or oocytes from a woman’s ovaries as part of fertility treatment. IVF (in vitro fertilization) is then used to fertilize the eggs outside of the body. Ovum pickup is a brief process in which the eggs are drawn from the ovarian follicles using a needle, according to the most basic definition. It is a surgical operation; however it is typically not difficult or uncomfortable. It is also known as follicle puncture in medical terms.
Picking up the ovum is a crucial step in the fertility process. Your partner’s or a donor’s sperm may be used to fertilize the mature eggs removed from your ovaries. Ovum pick-up is the process through which your eggs will be extracted and used if you are the egg donor. In order to protect their eggs, older women can benefit from ovarian pick-up and freezing.
How to prepare for ovum pickup?
Ovum pickup (OPU), also known as oocyte retrieval, is a crucial step in assisted reproductive technologies like In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). This procedure involves collecting mature eggs from a woman’s ovaries, which are then fertilized with sperm in the laboratory. For those going through IVF or egg freezing, preparation for ovum pickup is essential for both physical and emotional well-being. Here’s how you can prepare for this important step in your fertility journey.
1. Understand the Procedure
Before undergoing ovum pickup, it’s essential to understand what will happen during the procedure. Ovum pickup is typically performed under sedation or light anesthesia, and takes about 20-30 minutes. A thin needle is used to aspirate eggs from the ovaries through the vaginal wall, guided by ultrasound. While the procedure is generally well-tolerated, understanding what to expect can reduce anxiety and ensure you are mentally prepared.
2. Follow Your Doctor’s Instructions Carefully
Your fertility specialist will provide specific instructions on how to prepare for ovum pickup. These may include recommendations on diet, medications, and lifestyle adjustments. It’s important to follow these guidelines to optimize your chances of a successful retrieval. For example, you may be asked to:
- Take Hormonal Medications: Leading up to OPU, you’ll likely take fertility medications such as gonadotropins (FSH or hCG) to stimulate your ovaries to produce multiple eggs. Make sure to take these medications exactly as prescribed.
- Avoid Certain Medications: You may need to stop taking certain medications, such as blood thinners or supplements, that could interfere with the procedure.
- Fasting Instructions: Depending on whether sedation or anesthesia will be used, you may be asked to fast for several hours before the procedure.
3. Prepare Physically
Physical preparation is key to ensuring that your body is ready for the procedure. Here are some tips:
- Rest Well: Ensure you get a good night’s sleep before the procedure to help your body stay calm and ready for the process.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water the day before the procedure, but remember to follow the fasting guidelines if required.
- Avoid Stress: Stress can negatively impact your body’s response to fertility treatments, so try to engage in activities that relax you, such as meditation, gentle yoga, or breathing exercises.
4. Arrange for Support
Ovum pickup can be emotionally and physically taxing. It’s crucial to have a support system in place. Consider asking a partner, friend, or family member to accompany you to the clinic on the day of the procedure. Emotional support can help alleviate any feelings of anxiety or nervousness.
5. Know the Risks and Side Effects
While ovum pickup is generally safe, it’s essential to be aware of the potential risks and side effects, such as bloating, cramping, or infection. Your fertility specialist will discuss these with you before the procedure. Additionally, a small percentage of women may experience complications like ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), which is why following your doctor’s instructions and attending regular check-ups is important.
6. Post-Procedure Care
After the procedure, you’ll need some time to recover. Since OPU is minimally invasive, most women feel better within a few hours, but it’s important to rest for the remainder of the day. You may experience mild cramping or spotting, which is normal. Your fertility clinic will give you detailed post-procedure care instructions, including when to resume normal activities.
You must complete a number of stages before the ovum pick-up operation. The list of them is below.
- Checkup and tests: Your fertility specialist may require you to have fertility tests and to discuss the course of treatment for infertility. Before you move forward with the ovum-pickup surgery and the fertility treatment, you might need to undergo a few tests after you have a clear understanding of what is involved. To examine the state of your general health, an OBGYN might recommend a number of different tests.
- Hormone injections: During the cycle before the ovum pick-up, you will receive hormone injections. The last injection, referred to as the trigger, will be administered immediately before the procedure (in less than 36 hours).
- Fasting: If you are having the surgery in the morning, you must fast all night. If not, you must go at least 4 hours without consuming any liquids during your 6-hour fast. Aside from specific types of medications, such as those required for chronic disorders like diabetes, heart disease, and thyroid disease, you shouldn’t use any other kind of pharmaceuticals.
- Follicle monitoring: As part of your therapy, your follicles will be regularly checked so that the ovum pick-up may be arranged at the appropriate moment. So that your mature eggs can be extracted before you ovulate, the ovum pick-up is done right before ovulation.
- Trigger injection: Around 24-36 hours prior to the surgery, you must also receive an injection of the hormone HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin). The last trigger injection discussed before is this one. It guarantees that you won’t become pregnant before the operation.
Before the ovum pick-up procedure
Before the ovum pick-up operation your health care provider will ask you few details in order to provide information about your health and the health of your partner. You should discuss any health concerns you may have in this. You must let others know if you are feeling ill or queasy, if your stomach is upset, or if you have a fever. Your vein will be punctured with a needle (referred to as a venous catheter) in order to supply any necessary drugs or fluids. You must use the restroom so that your bladder is empty before the surgery. This makes puncturing the tissue with the needle simpler.
What to expect during the ovum pickup?
To ensure that you don’t experience any pain or discomfort throughout the surgery, you will first be given anesthesia. General anesthetic or local (intravenous) anesthesia are both options for performing the surgery. The procedure will subsequently be performed by the gynecologist surgeon. The process might take 20 to 30 minutes, but it also might go more quickly. Under ultrasound guidance, a long, thin needle is inserted via the vaginal opening during the surgery. Finding the ovaries and follicles is made easier by the ultrasound. A needle is gently pushed into the follicles during the ovum pick-up procedure to collect the follicular fluid, which contains the eggs.
Is Ovum pickup painful?
The procedure is usually painless. Your partner’s semen is used for IVF fertilization. In case he has some issues,your doctor may use donor sperm for fertilization of your eggs. This is done on the actual day of the ovum pick-up. It may also be carried out thereafter.
What happens after the procedure?
You will need to take a little nap after the procedure to let the anesthesia wear off. Your body will be free of the venous catheter. Do not drive yourself and stay away from long distance travel. The injectable drugs’ effects won’t disappear fully right away. After the ovum pick-up, you can eat regular food. After ovum pick-up, there are typically no significant symptoms. You can notice spotting or minor vaginal bleeding as moderate side effects. In addition, if you do encounter symptoms, they could consist of:
- Experiencing a thirst or mouth feeling dry
- Pelvic discomfort, heaviness, or soreness
- In rare instances, nausea may occur.
When to report the clinic after ovum pickup?
You should go to the clinic as soon as possible if you develop any severe side effects, such as severe lower abdominal discomfort, fainting, more severe-than-mild vaginal bleeding, or fever.
Some precautions after ovum pick-up are:
- Avoid taking your own car to work.
- Refrain from working on the day of the ovum pickup.
- For a few days, stay away from water-related activities like swimming or taking a bath.
- Until the vagina heals, refrain from sexual activity for a few days.
Do and Don’ts after ovum pick up?
- Drink plenty of water
- Don’t hold urine for a longer interval, frequent urination is advisable
- Take lot of fruits and vegetables
- Avoid fast and spicy food
The procedure of fertility treatment can assist you in producing the mature eggs you require, which can then be picked up at the appropriate moment for retrieval. IVF will then be used to fertilize them. Visit a fertility clinic if you and your partner are worried about your fertility. Depending on your problems and worries, you can get the precise fertility tests you require. Proper preparation for ovum pickup can significantly improve the outcome of your fertility treatment. By understanding the process, following medical advice, and taking care of your physical and emotional health, you can approach the procedure with confidence. Remember, your fertility specialist is there to guide you every step of the way, ensuring that you have the best possible chance for success.
