How Is OPU (Egg Collection) Performed?

OPU (oocyte pick-up — egg collection) is the procedure in which the eggs matured through ovulation induction are collected from the follicles with a fine needle under light anaesthesia (sedation) and ultrasound guidance.

The procedure takes about 15–20 minutes. It is performed vaginally, with no incision in the abdomen; thanks to light sedation no pain is felt. The collected follicular fluid is passed immediately to the embryology laboratory, where the embryologist finds the eggs and places them in special culture medium.

After a few hours' rest following the procedure you can return to daily life; mild cramping and spotting are normal. On the same day, fertilisation is carried out by ICSI using sperm taken from the partner (or obtained by TESE, or from a donor).

Key Points

• A painless procedure under light anaesthesia
• Takes about 15–20 minutes
• No incision; under vaginal ultrasound guidance
• Fertilisation by ICSI on the same day