the egg retrieval

Eggs (oocytes) are obtained during a brief surgical procedure often called an egg retrieval.   This 15-30" procedure is performed under anesthesia using an ultrasound and a long, skinny needle.   Eggs are visualized on the ultrasound and the needle is advanced through the vagina and into the follicle, aspirating fluid containing the egg from the ovary.  

Please click on the link below to view a short egg retrieval video.   The large black circular spaces are fluid filled follicles containing an egg.   You will see the needle entering from the top of the screen move into the follicle and remove the fluid and egg from the ovary.   This process is repeated until most, if not all eggs are removed from the ovary.