Egg Retrieval Instructions at Pollin - Toronto

Before Procedure Day:

• Your nurse will call you to tell you your ovulation trigger time and your appointment date and time for egg retrieval.
• Remember not to eat or drink anything after midnight before your scheduled procedure.
• Plan to arrive at least 60 minutes early on the day of your procedure.

On Procedure Day:

• It's best to avoid using scented perfumes, deodorants, or lotions, as the facility is scent-free.
• Wear comfortable clothing and bring a pair of socks for your comfort.
• Please refrain from wearing makeup and remove all jewelry and contact lenses.
• Make sure to have someone accompany you on the day of the procedure, as you won't be able to drive for 24 hours afterward.
• It's recommended to take the day off from work to rest and recover fully.

During Procedure:

• Upon arrival in the IVF waiting room, a nurse from Pollin Toronto will greet you and guide you to the admission/recovery area.
• You'll be provided with a gown to change into, and lockers will be available for your belongings.
• Before the procedure begins, the nurse will check your vital signs, confirm your identity and medical history, and inquire about any drug or food allergies.
• Prior to receiving the intravenous (IV), you'll be given an Ativan to help relax you.
• The IV will be used to administer necessary medications and fluids throughout the procedure.
• Gravol and an antibiotic used to prevent infection will be administered through the IV to prevent discomfort and nausea.
• Before the procedure starts, you'll be assisted to the washroom to empty your bladder.

During Egg Retrieval:

• Conscious sedation medication (Versed and Fentanyl) will be given for comfort. There will be a sedation nurse at your side to monitor your comfort level and ensure safe and effective sedation is given.
• While the medication takes effect, the doctor will insert a speculum into the vagina, clean the cervix and vagina, and administer a local anesthetic.
• An ultrasound probe with a needle guide attachment will be inserted into the vagina to identify and aspirate follicles.
• Follicular fluid containing eggs will be collected in test tubes for evaluation by the embryologist.
• The procedure concludes when all follicles have been aspirated and checked for bleeding.

After Procedure:

• You'll be assisted back to the recovery room, where your vital signs will be monitored until you're ready to be discharged.
• The IV will be removed once you're assessed and ready to go home.
• Before leaving, you'll be assisted to the washroom to void and check for bleeding.
• It's important not to try to get up on your own; wait for assistance from the nurse or your companion.
• Before leaving, a Pollin Toronto Nurse will provide you with at-home instructions and advise you to rest for the remainder of the day.

Post-Procedure Care:

• It's common to experience spotting and/or cramping after the procedure.
• Follow the post-operative instructions provided by your Pollin Toronto Nurse.
• If you have any medical concerns or questions about medication, contact your IVF nurse at Pollin.

Follow-Up:

• The embryologist will contact you the next day with the outcomes of the procedure.
• You'll be informed about the number of eggs retrieved or fertilized, depending on your treatment plan.
• Remember, you must be accompanied by a responsible adult on the day of the procedure, and refrain from driving for 24 hours afterward.

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Note:

If you have any concerns or allergies to medications listed, please notify your nurse immediately for appropriate care.