Oocyte pickup, also known as egg retrieval or ovum pick-up (OPU), is a crucial procedure in the in vitro fertilization (IVF) process. It involves the collection of mature eggs from a woman’s ovaries. The procedure is typically performed under ultrasound guidance using a needle attached to a suction device, passing through the vaginal wall to reach the ovaries. This method allows for the gentle aspiration of fluid from the follicles, which contain the eggs.

The procedure is usually done under sedation or general anesthesia to ensure the comfort of the woman undergoing the process. It marks a significant step in assisted reproductive technology, as the retrieved eggs are then fertilized in a laboratory setting with sperm from a partner or donor. The resulting embryos can be transferred to the woman’s uterus or a surrogate’s uterus in subsequent steps of the IVF cycle, or they can be frozen for future use.