Monitoring appointments for egg retrieval are an important part of an IVF cycle
Timing is everything in an in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle. To give our patients the best chance of success, we make sure their eggs are mature when it’s time for egg retrieval and the uterus is ready for embryo transfer and implantation. This requires a series of monitoring appointments at our office for bloodwork and ultrasounds. Here’s what to expect during monitoring appointments for egg retrieval at our Southern California fertility center and why they’re so important.
Testing during monitoring appointments for egg retrieval
When monitoring appointments for egg retrieval at our Southern California fertility center begin, you come in for blood tests to check your estrogen, luteinizing hormone (LH) and progesterone levels. These hormones play important roles in your reproductive cycle.
You will also have transvaginal ultrasounds to check your egg-containing follicles and to monitor the lining of your uterus. We make sure your eggs are growing at a normal rate and that the lining of your uterus continues to thicken as it prepares for an embryo.
Based on these test results, Robert Anderson MD or Dr. Don Royster adjusts your medication to speed up or slow down the process. It’s a delicate dance. If you miss too many appointments, we may have to start over.
Every woman’s body is different and responses to treatment may vary. Our goal is to help your body produce viable eggs and prepare for pregnancy so that you can have the family you’ve always wanted. Learn more about our IVF success rates and how we’ve helped couples just like you.
The last step of monitoring
These monitoring appointments will eventually come to an end when you get the okay to inject the human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). HCG provides that final push for the eggs to mature so that we can retrieve them about 36 hours later. At this time, we schedule your procedure and let you know how to prepare for that appointment.
Considerations
We know monitoring appointments for egg retrieval can be stressful and you may have schedule conflicts that arise. Our caring team does our best to work with you, so reach out if you have any questions or concerns. We want you to have the family you’ve always dreamed of and we’re here for you every step of the way.
Contact us to learn more about egg retrieval or any of the other services we offer.