Egg retrieval without being put under

I was not put under for my first retrieval, I was given a Xanax and a pain pill prior. Honestly, it’s uncomfortable yes, I won’t lie, but doable. They will start similar to other procedures or paps, the nurses are amazing and will be there every step. Once they get the speculum in, the Dr will insert the ultrasound probe, which has a very tiny needle attached, but you won’t feel this right away, it just feels like a normal vaginal ultrasound. Once he locates your ovaries on ultrasound, he will let you know when he’s going to start aspirating. I just hunkered down, focused on something, and knew it would be quick. And deep breaths. Don’t get overworked. It really is very quick! Def tolerable. (And I had 29 eggs retrieved then). Afterwards, the nurses will take care of you and you will be out the door in no time. I was very crampy after, but it eased up pretty quickly. I would absolutely do it again if I had to. Although I joked with my husband that next time I would add in a couple shots of whiskey before I went lol. We switched clinics for round 2, and I was fully prepared for this again, and I actually found out that I was going to be put under! My retrieval was today actually. Am I glad? Well yes, I won’t lie. 🙃 Mostly because I didn’t get over worked or anxious and just took a nap. 👌🏻 Lol. Both times I had bad cramps after. Eased up within half hour or so. Then just periodic. IBU and a heating pad is your best fiend. You got this! Good luck 🍀 to you ❤️

I was awake round 1 and agree with Sarah- totally doable. It's uncomfortable but it is bearable. I also got Xanax, Dilaudid, and a shot to keep my heart rate down which gave me very bad cotton mouth! I highly recommend cold water or juice and dum dum pops for post retreival. I prefer awake retreivals. I was put out for round 2 and it was awful- my recovery really suffered that round!

I did it twice this year because anesthesiologist are in shortage due to Covid 19 crisis. It is painful but you can survive it. I felt the needle piercing each time. One time for each egg. They gave me a gas I could inhale in case the pain got too intense. Other than that Paracetamol IV drip and anal painkiller suppository. The pain is maximum about 10 minutes. My first ivf icsi before the Covid madness I was under and felt and remembered nothing. Being relaxed helps as being too tense hurts more.

I was awake for mine and it was just fine! They gave me Fentanyl for pain and Midazolam for anxiety. I felt a poke on one side but honestly those anti anxiety drugs make you not care about anything! Lol Good luck!

Yep, I've done 3 retrievals and been awake for them all with conscious sedation. They had gas and air there as well if you needed it to get through the pain. I've found it varied each time, not sure if they gave me different amounts of pain relief each time lol, but it's definitely doable, not pleasant, but it's over pretty quickly, and I like being awake and hearing how many eggs they're getting as they check each tube of fluid lol. Good luck!