Chapter 14: The results of our oocyte retrieval
We left the hospital without knowing the results of our retrieval.
On Monday, we called NUH to ask in which they mentioned that the embryologist will reach out to us.
12 eggs were retrieved of which 9 were mature. 7 were fertilized. Over the course of the next few days, we received calls from the embryologist daily with updates on the growth and respective grades of our embryos.
By day 5, they froze 2 of our embryos (blastocysts). 4 were doing below average.
On day 6, they froze 1 more embryo.
In total, we had 3 embryos frozen which was an average result.
Honestly, we were quite happy with this result since initially I didn’t respond quite well to the injections.
From my personal experience with oocyte retrieval, I found that staying informed through daily updates from the embryologist made a significant difference in managing the emotional rollercoaster of IVF treatment. After our retrieval, learning that 12 eggs were retrieved and 9 were mature gave us hope, even though initially my response to injections was less than ideal. The fertilization of 7 eggs felt encouraging, and the progression of these embryos over the following days was a mixture of anticipation and cautious optimism. It’s important to understand that not all embryos develop at the same pace, which is why some may be frozen by day 5 as blastocysts while others lag behind. In our case, 2 embryos were frozen on day 5 and an additional one on day 6, totaling 3 frozen embryos. While this was an average outcome, for us, it was a reassuring sign of potential for a successful implantation in the future. Additionally, it helped to educate ourselves about embryo grading and what the embryologist’s assessments mean in terms of implantation potential. Although a few embryos were below average, knowing that at least a couple had good quality helped keep our spirits up. Throughout this time, maintaining open communication with the medical team and staying hopeful were key coping strategies. For those undergoing similar treatments, I recommend keeping a detailed journal of each stage, noting the embryologist’s feedback and your emotions. This practice can provide clarity and help you celebrate small yet significant milestones along the IVF journey. Remember, while the results of your oocyte retrieval may feel overwhelming, each step is progress towards your goal.
