Patients undergoing IVF treatment or other procedures will visit one of Shady Grove Fertility’s specialized IVF centers during their journey. These outpatient facilities are designed for minor surgical procedures, such as egg retrievals, and are carefully maintained to ensure your safety, comfort, and peace of mind.
We understand that undergoing a procedure can feel overwhelming. That’s why Shady Grove Fertility is committed to continually enhancing both our medical technology and the comfort of our surgical environments. Our facilities are accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) and the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC), reflecting the highest standards of patient safety and quality care.
IVF Center Locations
Shady Grove Fertility’s IVF centers are located in:
- Denver, CO
- Orlando, FL
- Tampa, FL
- Atlanta, GA
- Rockville, MD
- Towson, MD
- Raleigh, NC
- Chesterbrook, PA
- Clear Lake, TX
- Fairfax, VA
- Norfolk, VA
- Richmond, VA
Procedures Performed at Our IVF Centers
At our IVF centers, Shady Grove Fertility performs a range of outpatient procedures, including:
- Egg retrievals
- Hysteroscopy
- Plypectomy
- Fluid aspirations
- Male surgical procedures
Preparing for an egg retrieval or surgical procedure
What to bring:
- Photo ID: All patients must present a valid photo ID before any procedure.
- A Responsible Adult: You must have a responsible adult (18 or older) accompany you. They must remain on-site during your procedure and drive you home afterward. If both you and your partner are scheduled for procedures, a third party is required to assist with transportation.
- Comfortable Clothing: Wear loose, comfortable clothes that are easy to change into and out of.
What not to bring?
- Children are not allowed at the IVF center. Please arrange childcare in advance.
- Jewelry
- Perfume
- Makeup – Please refrain from wearing perfume or makeup on your procedure day.
- Contact lenses
Dietary guidelines before your procedure
Because anesthesia is typically used during egg retrievals, it’s crucial to follow these fasting guidelines:
- More than 7 hours before your procedure: You may eat solid food, chew gum, suck on mints, or use cough drops.
- 4 to 7 hours before your procedure: Only water is allowed.
- Within 4 hours of your procedure: No food or drink is permitted.
Note: If you have a specific medical condition or special dietary needs, discuss them with your nurse ahead of time.
Semen Collection Information
For egg retrievals, a semen sample is typically required for fertilization. Partners are encouraged to collect the sample at home and bring it to the IVF center. Upon arrival, please notify the reception desk. If traveling more than 1.5 hours, partners may collect a sample at the center upon arrival.
What to Expect on Procedure Day
- Arrival: Arrive 90 minutes before your scheduled procedure or as instructed by your nurse.
- Check-In: After presenting your ID and confirming your fasting status, you’ll change into a surgical gown.
- Pre-Procedure: You’ll meet your Nurse Anesthetist, who will start an IV and review your medical history before administering sedation.
- During the Procedure: Your procedure typically takes about 30 minutes. Your companion will wait in the reception area.
- Recovery: You’ll spend approximately 30 minutes recovering post-procedure before being discharged. Expect your entire visit to last about 2½ to 3 hours.
After Your Egg Retrieval: Post-Procedure Expectation
Following an egg retrieval, you may experience:
- Nausea: Common after anesthesia. Eating saltine crackers and sipping ginger ale can help.
- Discomfort: Mild discomfort is normal. Follow your doctor’s instructions for pain management. Avoid ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil); use acetaminophen (Tylenol) instead.
- Dizziness: You may feel dizzy or unsteady after anesthesia. Plan for a restful day at home and have someone stay with you for at least the first 24 hours.
Warning Signs to Watch For
Contact your nurse or call your local office after hours if you experience:
- Fever
- Severe pain
- Heavy bleeding
Before your procedure, you’ll receive both verbal and written instructions for your care. Additionally, our nursing team will call you the day after your procedure to check in and answer any questions.
For any questions or concerns following your egg retrieval or another procedure, reach out to your primary nurse. For urgent needs after hours, contact your local office to be connected with the on-call provider.
Medical contribution by Eric D. Levens, M.D.
Eric D. Levens, M.D., FACOG, board certified in obstetrics and gynecology and subspecialty board certified in reproductive endocrinology and infertility. Dr. Levens is committed to improving the success of fertility care through active research and national advocacy. He sees SGF patients at the Fairfax, Virginia, office.
