Transvaginal oocyte retrieval

Transvaginal oocyte retrieval or simply oocyte retrieval (OCR) is a technique used in in vitro fertilization in order to remove oocytes from the ovary of the female, enabling fertilization outside the body. It is commonly known as "egg collection".

Procedure
The technique mostly succeeds an ovarian stimulation, where multiple oocytes are manipulated to mature. The retrieval is performed with a needle, piercing through the vaginal wall. It is guided by ultrasound to reach the ovaries, where it can aspirate follicular material. This material can then be purified of ova.

The process takes about 20 minutes and is usually done under conscious sedation or general anesthesia.

Transvaginal ovum retrieval
Transvaginal oocyte retrieval can be called transvaginal ovum retrieval if the oocytes have matured into ova. This is normally the case in IVF.