transvaginal oocyte aspiration (TVOA)

TVOA is the IVF step where eggs are removed from the ovary. Using ultrasound guidance, the fertility doctor passes a small needle through the upper vagina into each ovary. Suction pressure collects the contents of the follicles (cyst-like structures that house the egg). This outpatient TVOA procedure is performed under anesthesia. For context on ovaries during IVF, related topics such as ovarian stimulation are outside this entry; this page covers only the egg retrieval step in reproductive endocrinology.