Egg Collection Day: What to Expect

For many people going through IVF, egg collection day feels like the biggest milestone so far — the moment all those stimulation injections, monitoring scans, and hormonal ups and downs finally lead to something tangible. It can feel daunting if you don’t know what to expect, especially with words like “sedation” and “surgery” thrown around. But in reality, this procedure is straightforward, quick, and done every day in fertility clinics across the UK. Here’s a calm, realistic guide to help you understand what happens during egg collection day, what it feels like, and how to make recovery smoother.

Arriving at the Clinic

On the morning of egg collection day, you’ll usually arrive at your clinic with a completely empty stomach — no food or drink for at least six hours beforehand (including water, gum, or coffee). This is because sedation is used, and your stomach needs to be empty to make the procedure safe. Most clinics will ask you to arrive about an hour before your scheduled time so you can fill out consent forms, change into a gown, and meet your nurse and anaesthetist.

If you’re feeling anxious, it’s perfectly normal. Tell the staff — they do this every day and can explain the process step by step, which can really help settle nerves. Many people describe the atmosphere as surprisingly calm and routine, which can be reassuring.

What Actually Happens During the Procedure

The procedure itself is called transvaginal oocyte retrieval — but most clinics simply call it “egg collection.” It’s done using a fine needle, guided by ultrasound, which passes through the vaginal wall to reach your ovaries and gently aspirate (suction out) the mature eggs from each follicle.

The good news? You won’t be awake in the typical sense. Most UK clinics use conscious sedation (sometimes called “twilight sedation”), which is a combination of pain relief and a sedative drug given through a cannula in your arm. You’re technically conscious, but in a deeply relaxed, floaty state where you likely won’t feel or remember much. Some clinics also use a light general anaesthetic, especially if they expect to retrieve a lot of eggs or if you’re particularly nervous.

The whole process usually takes about 15–30 minutes. You’ll be lying in a theatre room with an ultrasound probe inserted, and the doctor will work on each ovary in turn. Most patients don’t remember anything beyond being told to take deep breaths, then waking up in recovery.

Does Egg Collection Hurt?

This is one of the biggest concerns people have before egg collection day. The truth is: you won’t feel pain during the procedure itself because of the sedation. Some people feel mild cramping or pressure in the hours afterward, similar to strong period cramps. If your ovaries were very stimulated (producing lots of follicles), the bloating and discomfort can last a few days, but most describe it as manageable. Your clinic will usually provide painkillers, and simple things like a hot water bottle, loose clothing, and rest can make a big difference.

After the Procedure

Once it’s over, you’ll be moved to a recovery area, where you’ll rest for around an hour as the sedation wears off. A nurse will check your blood pressure, pulse, and how you’re feeling. When you’re more alert, they’ll bring you tea, biscuits, and water (finally!). You’ll also be told how many eggs were collected — though it’s important to remember that the number doesn’t reflect your chances just yet, as the fertilisation and embryo development stages are still to come.

You can usually leave after an hour or two, but you’ll need someone to accompany you home because you can’t drive after sedation. The rest of the day should be quiet — no work, no heavy lifting, and definitely no alcohol. Many people spend the afternoon on the sofa with Netflix and snacks.

Recovery Tips

Most people feel back to normal within a day or two, though if you had a lot of eggs retrieved or your ovaries are especially swollen, it can take longer. To make recovery easier:

• Stay hydrated — sip plenty of water and consider an electrolyte drink to help with bloating.

• Rest, but move gently — short, slow walks around your home can reduce the risk of blood clots and help ease trapped gas from the procedure.

• Eat light, easy foods — avoid anything too heavy or greasy, as your digestive system can feel sluggish after sedation.

• Use heat packs for cramps — a warm compress can soothe mild pain without needing extra medication.

• Call your clinic if something feels wrong — heavy bleeding, severe pain, or difficulty breathing can indicate complications like ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), which needs prompt attention.

What Happens Next?

Your eggs will immediately be taken to the embryology lab, where they’re fertilised with sperm (either via standard IVF or ICSI, depending on your treatment plan). The embryologists will monitor them closely over the next 3–5 days, and the clinic will call you with updates on how many fertilise and develop into embryos.

For many people, this waiting period can be even more stressful than egg collection day itself — so try to plan a few distractions and light activities to keep your mind busy. Most clinics aim to transfer one embryo back into your uterus within 3–5 days (a “fresh transfer”), unless your doctor recommends freezing all embryos first for medical reasons.

The Emotional Side

Egg collection day can bring a mix of relief and anxiety. You might feel proud of reaching this stage, but also nervous about the next steps. It’s completely normal to feel emotional, especially as your hormone levels from stimulation are still high. If you feel teary, irritable, or just exhausted, know that it’s part of the process and not a sign something’s wrong. Many people find that having a partner, friend, or family member on hand for the day makes recovery more comforting.

The Bottom Line

Egg collection day is a big milestone, but it’s not nearly as scary as it sounds. With sedation, most people barely remember the procedure, and recovery is usually smooth with a bit of rest and care. Focus on staying comfortable, following your clinic’s advice, and giving yourself time to recover both physically and emotionally. Before you know it, you’ll be moving on to the next stage of your IVF journey — embryo development and transfer.