Egg Retrieval in Fairfax, Virginia: What to Expect Before, During and After

Deciding to move forward with egg retrieval is a significant step in your fertility journey. Whether you are preparing for IVF, pursuing fertility preservation, or planning for future family building, understanding what happens before, during, and after the procedure can ease anxiety and build confidence.

This guide explains what patients can expect from egg retrieval in Fairfax, Vigrinia, so you feel informed, supported, and in control from start to finish.

Preparing Your Body Physically and Mentally

The process begins with ovarian stimulation using hormone injections that encourage the ovaries to produce multiple mature eggs instead of just one. Throughout this phase, which typically lasts 8 to 14 days, your fertility team closely monitors your progress with bloodwork and ultrasound imaging. These visits track hormone levels and follicle growth to make sure your body is responding safely and effectively.

During this time, patients often experience mild side effects such as temporary bloating, mood changes, or fatigue from hormone shifts. Maintaining hydration, balanced nutrition, and consistent sleep can support your body through this adjustment period.

Once the follicles reach the correct size, a trigger injection is administered to finalize egg maturation. The retrieval is then precisely scheduled about 34 to 36 hours later, just before natural ovulation would occur.

What Happens on the Day of Egg Retrieval in Fairfax, Virginia

On retrieval day, patients arrive at the clinic and are placed under light sedation or anesthesia for comfort. Using ultrasound guidance, the physician inserts a thin needle through the vaginal wall into each ovary to gently collect the follicular fluid containing the eggs.

The procedure itself usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. Afterward, patients rest briefly in recovery while the sedation wears off. The collected fluid is immediately sent to the lab where embryologists identify, isolate, and evaluate the eggs for maturity. Patients typically return home the same day with detailed aftercare instructions.

Recovery and Short-Term Expectations

Mild cramping, bloating, pelvic pressure, and fatigue are common after retrieval. These symptoms usually improve within one to two days. Some patients also notice temporary spotting or tenderness at the injection sites. Most patients return home the same day and resume light activity within 24 to 48 hours.

Rest, hydration, and avoiding strenuous physical activity are recommended during early recovery. Sexual activity, heavy lifting, and high-impact exercise may be restricted briefly to protect the ovaries as they return to normal size. If you experience significant pain, severe bloating, breathing issues, rapid weight gain, or heavy bleeding, your care team should be contacted immediately.

What Happens to the Eggs After Retrieval

Once retrieved, eggs are evaluated in the lab and prepared according to your treatment plan. For IVF patients, eggs may be fertilized using conventional insemination or intracytoplasmic sperm injection. Resulting embryos are monitored for development before transfer or freezing.

For those freezing eggs, mature eggs are preserved using advanced cryopreservation techniques that maintain cellular integrity for long-term storage. These preserved eggs can later be thawed, fertilized, and transferred when pregnancy timing is right.

Moving Forward With Confidence: Start Egg Retrieval in Fairfax, Virginia

Understanding what to expect from egg retrieval in Fairfax, Virginia, helps remove uncertainty and allows you to enter treatment with clarity and confidence. Every stage of the process is carefully timed, medically supervised, and designed to support both safety and success. With the right guidance, egg retrieval becomes a manageable and empowering milestone on your fertility path.

If you are ready to take the next step, Annandale Fertility offers comprehensive fertility evaluation, advanced treatment options, and compassionate support throughout your care.

To request a consultation online or discuss your fertility treatment options with a specialist, call 703-462-8665.