The scan will be checking the response to the FSH injections. The follicles will be counted and measured. When the follicles are a certain size approximately 18mm, this indicates that there may be a mature egg present (unfortunately not all follicles will contain eggs). At this stage, Stimulated Ovaries depending on the number and size of the follicles will determine when the egg collection will be scheduled. If the ovaries have responded well to the FSH injections then another injection called HCG or Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin will be scheduled to be administered. This injection helps to mature the eggs present and to release the eggs in the follicles for the egg collection. It is advised that this injection is taken approximately 36 hours prior to the scheduled procedure. Normally after this injection all other drugs are stopped.

IVF Stage 4- The Egg Collection

The egg collection or oocyte retrieval can be performed either under General Anaesthetic or sedation. It involves a vaginal probe, similar to the one that have been used in the vaginal scans, with a needle guide attached to it. The needle then, under ultra sound guidance, is passed through the vaginal wall into each ovary. The follicles are then individually drained and an embryologist checks the follicular fluid for eggs.

Egg Collection

Once the eggs have been retrieved they will be left to rest in an incubator. Later that day they will then be mixed with a high concentration of prepared sperm. They will then be checked the next day for fertilization and the couple are informed of the fertilization rates. Following this the embryos will be replaced into the uterus, approximately 2-3 days after the egg collection.