Egg collection through the vagina under sedation is usually a simpler, safer procedure that can be conducted on an out¬patient basis, often in a room adjoining the laboratory in the in vitro fertilisation clinic.
The woman is generally given two doses of a sedative; one to be taken the evening before egg collection and one shortly before the procedure.
She is normally given an injection of a pain-killer when the procedure is carried out.
A needle is inserted through her vagina into her ovaries and punctures the follicles to collect the eggs.
An ultrasound scan is used to show die ovaries and follicles and to guide the needle.
Theoretically the woman can watch the whole process on the ultrasound monitor.
In practice, even if she can see the screen she may not be able to remember it.
It should be almost common knowledge these days for all women that want to get pregnant using this method, that there are two big advantages to this method of egg collection.
One is that it avoids the risks associated with a general anesthetic, lower now that such light anesthetics are available, but risks none the less.
Secondly, it makes it possible for the woman's partner to be present, and allows him to share the experience.
The obvious disadvantage is the pain, discomfort or just plain squeamishness involved for the woman.
Some find the procedure painful, but even those who do often say that they would choose this method again because of the sense of control and involvement it provides.
Many say that they cannot remember anything.