Transvaginal Oocyte Retrieval - TVOR
Transvaginal oocyte retrieval (TVOR) is a minor surgical procedure that collects mature eggs from ovarian follicles after stimulation in an IVF cycle.
It is performed under ultrasound guidance using a thin needle passed through the vaginal wall into each follicle to aspirate the fluid containing oocytes.
The procedure is brief, safe, and essential for successful IVF fertilisation.
Overview And Clinical Background
Precision egg collection for IVF success
TVOR is timed precisely after ovarian stimulation and trigger injection to capture oocytes at the optimal stage of maturity.
Performed under mild sedation, it takes about 20–30 minutes, after which patients rest for a short period before discharge.
- Purpose: To retrieve mature oocytes for IVF fertilisation after controlled ovarian stimulation.
- Timing: Usually 34–36 hours after hCG or trigger injection to ensure egg maturity.
- Procedure involves real-time ultrasound guidance to accurately aspirate follicles with minimal discomfort.
Symptoms, Signs And Presentation
Candidates are women undergoing IVF following ovarian stimulation.
The procedure is not symptomatic but may cause mild abdominal pressure or discomfort from enlarged ovaries.
- Common experience: Mild pelvic heaviness before retrieval due to stimulated ovaries.
- After retrieval: Minor spotting or cramping for a day; most return to normal activity within 24 hours.
- No long-term symptoms when performed under expert care.
Diagnosis Methods And Investigations
Monitoring for accurate retrieval timing
Accurate monitoring ensures optimal egg maturity at retrieval.
Hormone tracking and ultrasound follicle measurements determine the trigger and retrieval schedule.
- Ultrasound monitoring: Assesses follicle size (17–20 mm) to confirm readiness for trigger injection.
- Hormonal check: Estradiol levels correlate with follicle response and guide timing decisions.
- Final confirmation by scheduling retrieval 34–36 hours post-trigger for best results.
Treatment Options And Surgical Techniques
TVOR uses a transvaginal ultrasound probe equipped with a fine aspiration needle to puncture follicles and collect oocytes.
The aspirated fluid is handed immediately to the embryologist for egg identification and processing.
- Anesthesia: Performed under conscious sedation or short general anesthesia for patient comfort.
- Aspiration technique: Each follicle is punctured once to minimize trauma, with careful pressure control to preserve egg quality.
- The procedure is outpatient-based with minimal recovery time and low complication rate.
Recovery, Risks And Prognosis
Recovery from TVOR is typically rapid.
Mild pelvic pain or bloating is common for 1–2 days.
Complications like infection or bleeding are rare when performed under sterile, ultrasound-guided conditions.
- Post-procedure care: Rest for a few hours post retrieval, avoid heavy exercise for 48 hours.
- Patients usually resume normal routine next day; hydration and light meals help ease bloating.
- Success factors: Egg quality depends on ovarian response and retrieval timing, both optimized by experienced IVF teams.
Why Choose Us
CureU Healthcare ensures precision-based egg retrieval through high-resolution ultrasound, experienced reproductive specialists, and aseptic lab protocols.
Our seamless coordination between stimulation, retrieval, and embryology maximizes fertilisation outcomes.
Conclusion
Transvaginal oocyte retrieval is a safe, efficient procedure forming the cornerstone of IVF.
When timed and executed correctly, it ensures maximum egg yield and quality, paving the way for successful fertilisation and pregnancy.
