How Long Does the IVF Egg Retrieval Process Take?
Dr. Lee Caperton • May 5, 2025
One of the most common questions we hear at Caperton Fertility Institute is, "How long does the egg retrieval process take during IVF?" It's a great question, and understanding the timeline can help reduce anxiety and empower you with clear expectations.
As a fertility specialist deeply committed to your journey, I want to walk you through each phase of the egg retrieval process and what you can expect.
Phase 1: Ovarian Stimulation (8–14 Days)
The egg retrieval process begins with ovarian stimulation. During this stage, you’ll take daily hormone injections designed to stimulate your ovaries to produce multiple mature eggs.
Throughout this phase, we monitor your response with regular ultrasounds and bloodwork to ensure your follicles are growing appropriately. Most patients are on stimulation medications for 8 to 14 days, depending on their individual response.
Phase 2: The Trigger Shot (36 Hours Before Retrieval)
Once your follicles reach the ideal size, you’ll receive a trigger shot. This hormone injection signals your body to prepare for ovulation and is carefully timed to ensure optimal egg maturity. The egg retrieval procedure is scheduled approximately 36 hours after this injection.
Phase 3: Egg Retrieval Procedure (Under 30 Minutes)
The egg retrieval itself is a brief outpatient procedure that typically takes less than 30 minutes. Performed under light sedation, we use ultrasound-guided technology to retrieve the eggs from your ovaries using a thin, specialized needle.
After the procedure, most patients go home within a few hours and resume light activity by the next day. Some experience mild cramping or bloating, but recovery is usually smooth.
IVF Egg Retrieval Timeline: 2 to 3 Weeks Total
From the start of ovarian stimulation to the day of egg retrieval, the process usually spans about 2 to 3 weeks. However, every patient is unique, and your care plan is personalized based on your body’s response and reproductive health.
Compassionate Care Every Step of the Way
At Caperton Fertility Institute in Albuquerque and El Paso, we combine state-of-the-art fertility treatment with personal, attentive care. Whether you’re starting your IVF journey or exploring fertility preservation, we’re here to support you with clarity, compassion, and expertise.
Have questions about IVF or egg retrieval? Schedule a consultation with our team. We're here to help you make informed decisions and feel confident at every stage.
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Embarking on the embryo transfer phase of your IVF journey is a big step, and understandably, patients often ask what they can expect during this important stage. At Caperton Fertility Institute, we take great care in preparing your body to create the most welcoming environment possible for a developing embryo. Here’s an overview of how we prepare you for a frozen embryo transfer, including the medications we use and why they matter. 1. Estrogen Patches to Build the Uterine Lining The first step in the preparation process involves thickening the endometrial lining of your uterus so it can support an embryo. We use estrogen patches for this purpose. These patches deliver a consistent dose of estrogen through your skin, and you’ll typically wear several patches on your abdomen at a time, changed every other day as instructed. Estrogen helps your uterine lining grow to the ideal thickness for implantation. We monitor this closely with ultrasound to ensure optimal conditions. 2. Adding Intramuscular Progesterone Once your lining has reached the right thickness, we introduce intramuscular progesterone injections. Progesterone transforms the uterine lining into a receptive state, mimicking what happens naturally after ovulation. These injections are given daily and are an essential part of making the uterus ready to accept an embryo. While the thought of intramuscular shots can be intimidating, our team will guide you through every step and offer tips to make the process more comfortable. 3. Timing the Transfer The timing of your embryo transfer is carefully coordinated based on your hormone levels and the day your embryo was frozen. For example, if you're transferring a blastocyst (an embryo that developed for five days), we schedule your transfer five days after starting progesterone. Precision is key, and we tailor the timing to closely replicate the conditions of a natural cycle. 4. Day of the Transfer The transfer itself is a quick, gentle procedure that doesn’t require anesthesia. We use ultrasound guidance to place the embryo in the uterus, and many patients describe it as similar to a Pap smear. Afterward, you’ll rest briefly before going home. Supporting You Through Every Phase Every part of the embryo transfer preparation is designed with care and intention. We want to give you the best possible chance for success, and we’re here to support you emotionally and physically throughout the process. If you have any questions about preparing for your embryo transfer or the medications involved, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re with you every step of the way.
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