High satisfaction among women undergoing oocyte retrieval without anesthesia in a well-selected patient population

Transvaginal ultrasound-guided oocyte retrieval for assisted reproduction was first described in 1985 (1). The pain associated with oocyte retrieval has been attributed to the aspiration needle puncturing the vaginal tissue as well as the ovarian capsule, along with manipulation of the needle during the procedure. Overall, with the oocyte retrieval being a short, outpatient procedure, various types of anesthesia have been used. These include general anesthesia, conscious sedation, and use of paracervical blocking agents.
Source: Fertility and Sterility - Category: Reproduction Medicine Authors: Tags: Reflections Source Type: research