Checklist 8: Your IVF Egg Retrieval Survival Guide
Before
1. Medication Adherence
Have you taken all prescribed medications according to your protocol?
✔️ Well done! Following your protocol helps ensure proper follicle stimulation and egg maturation.
⚠️ Please follow your medication schedule exactly. Delays or missed doses could impact egg development.
2. Ultrasound Attendance
Did you attend all scheduled ultrasound scans and send them to your clinic?
✔️ Well done! Keeping your clinic informed with timely ultrasound results helps them adjust your protocol efficiently.
⚠️ Make sure to attend ultrasound scans, typically around day 6 and day 10. Send results promptly and confirm receipt.
3. Date & Trigger Confirmation
Did you receive confirmation of your egg retrieval date and trigger shot timing?
✔️ Great! Knowing your exact retrieval and trigger shot timing is crucial.
⚠️ Follow up after your day 10 scan if you haven’t received confirmation.
4. Travel Plans
Have you booked your flights and hotel with flexibility based on clinic confirmation?
✔️ Smart planning! Flexible bookings and travel insurance reduce stress if changes arise.
⚠️ Wait for confirmation before booking. Use refundable options or insurance.
5. Sperm Sample Plan
Have you arranged for the sperm sample and discussed pre-selection techniques?
✔️ Excellent! Coordinating timing or freezing ensures smooth retrieval day.
⚠️ Talk to your doctor — sperm can be frozen earlier if needed.
6. Trigger Shot Timing
Have you scheduled and prepared your trigger shot at the exact time advised?
✔️ Great! Precise timing is essential for egg maturation and retrieval scheduling.
⚠️ Double-check timing, especially with time zones, to avoid errors.
7. Preoperative Tests
Did you complete all required preoperative exams within the required timeframe?
✔️ Excellent. Pre-op exams ensure safety during anesthesia.
⚠️ Complete tests within 14 days prior and bring reports to your clinic.
8. Transport to Clinic
Do you have a transportation plan ready for the retrieval morning?
✔️ Smart thinking. Reliable transport reduces stress.
⚠️ Plan your route. Save directions and clinic contact details.
9. ID Ready
Have you packed your ID or passport for identification at the clinic?
✔️ Perfect! ID is required for safety checks.
⚠️ Pack it now — clinics won’t proceed without ID verification.
10. Informed Consents
Have you read and signed all informed consents for the procedure?
✔️ Reviewing ahead gives space for questions and avoids rushing.
⚠️ Request documents early or arrive early to sign on-site.
11. Fasting Compliance
Are you following the fasting guidelines provided by the clinic?
✔️ Excellent. Fasting prevents anesthesia complications.
⚠️ Most clinics won’t proceed unless fasting was followed.
12. No Makeup or Nail Polish
Did you avoid wearing makeup and nail polish on the day of the procedure?
✔️ Good! It helps staff monitor your safety.
⚠️ Remove all makeup and polish for safety monitoring.
13. Comfortable Clothing
Are you wearing light and comfortable clothing for your retrieval?
✔️ Perfect! Loose clothing makes recovery easier.
⚠️ Wear something soft and loose-fitting for comfort.
14. Entertainment Prepared
Have you prepared entertainment and ways to relax during your clinic stay?
✔️ Audiobooks, playlists, or podcasts help calm nerves.
⚠️ Download music, books, or podcasts and bring headphones.
15. Post-Procedure Escort
Do you have someone to take you home after retrieval?
✔️ Wonderful. An escort is required after sedation.
⚠️ Arrange transport — don’t travel alone after anesthesia.
16. Payment Ready
Have you confirmed payment method and brought required funds?
✔️ Perfect. Being prepared reduces stress.
⚠️ Double-check the amount, method, and timing of payment.
17. Insurance Documents
Do you have your medical/travel insurance and necessary documents ready?
✔️ Excellent. You’ll be covered and reimbursed if applicable.
⚠️ Prepare all forms, receipts, and confirmations before treatment.
After
18. Post-Op Rest
Have you cleared your schedule for rest after the procedure?
✔️ Rest is essential for recovery.
⚠️ Cancel commitments and avoid strenuous activities that day.
19. Food & Hydration
Do you have food and fluids ready for after the procedure?
✔️ Perfect! Light meals and hydration aid recovery.
⚠️ Prepare snacks and drinks ahead of time.
20. Post-Op Report
Did you receive your post-operative report and fertilization updates?
✔️ Excellent. It outlines eggs retrieved and next steps.
⚠️ Request the report from your coordinator.
21. Embryo Update Plan
Are you informed about embryo development and update timings?
✔️ Wonderful. Knowing timelines helps reduce anxiety.
⚠️ Ask when to expect updates — daily, day 3, or day 5.
22. Post-Retrieval Medications
Are you continuing your treatment plan and do you have all meds?
✔️ Excellent. Staying on track is key.
⚠️ Confirm next steps and don’t miss any doses.
23. Emergency Contact
Do you have an emergency contact number from the clinic?
✔️ Well prepared!
⚠️ Ask for an urgent contact and instructions for emergencies.
24. Symptom Monitoring
Are you monitoring for pain, fever, or unusual bleeding?
✔️ Good! Early detection prevents complications.
⚠️ Report severe symptoms immediately to clinic or hospital.
25. OHSS Awareness
Are you aware of OHSS symptoms?
✔️ Great awareness. Being informed means you can act quickly if symptoms occur.
⚠️ Learn about OHSS symptoms like bloating, rapid weight gain, or severe pain — report them urgently to your clinic.
26. Sexual Activity Guidance
Have you received guidance on sexual activity after retrieval?
✔️ Excellent. Following your clinic’s guidance protects your recovery.
⚠️ Ask your clinic when it’s safe to resume sexual activity after the procedure.
27. Next Step Clarity
Are you keeping yourself informed about each upcoming step?
✔️ Wonderful. Clarity helps reduce anxiety and ensures smooth treatment progression.
⚠️ Ask your clinic to outline each next step so you’re never in doubt.
28. Emotional Readiness
Do you feel ready and empowered after egg retrieval?
✔️ Beautifully done! You’re prepared for what comes next in your IVF journey.
⚠️ Take time to process, talk to supportive people, and seek help if you need it — your feelings are valid.