Hey everyone,
I recently went through the harrowing experience of undergoing an egg retrieval without any anesthesia. It was one of the most painful and traumatic moments of my life, and I’ve been struggling to cope ever since. The physical pain was excruciating, but the emotional toll has been even harder to bear.
I’ve been trying different coping mechanisms to deal with the aftermath - from therapy to journaling to simply allowing myself to feel whatever comes up. It’s been a rollercoaster of emotions, from anger to despair to moments of numbness.
I know I’m not alone in this experience, so I wanted to reach out to this community to hear your stories.
This was an unusual experience for me. I did not have anesthesia, but received similar medications and only felt pressure, not pain. It was uncomfortable, but not as bad as my ultrasounds before my ER date. I did experience some discomfort when they switched sides during the procedure, but they gave me more meds through my IV. I also received meds for cramps afterward and did not feel any pain. I had OHSS as well. I suggest contacting your clinic immediately, as this is not normal.
I was shocked to hear that your clinic doesn’t offer full anesthesia for egg retrieval. I’m glad that my experience was completely sedated. If you have to go through another retrieval, I would consider finding another clinic. Sending you a virtual hug during this tough time. Please take care of yourself, rest, and seek medical help if needed. I’m sorry you had to go through this ordeal. Take care 
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I’m not trying to cause panic, but there was a news report last year about a nurse at Yale who stole opioids from a fertility clinic and replaced them with saline, resulting in some women experiencing extreme pain during their procedure. I was also uncomfortable during my own procedure and didn’t receive full sedation. Your experience sounds concerning and I’m sorry that happened to you.
This situation was unusual for me. I did not have anesthesia but was given similar medications and felt only pressure, not the typical discomfort doctors warn about. It was not something I would do for fun on a Saturday night, but it was easier than the ultrasounds I had before my ER date due to my high egg count. I felt some discomfort when they switched sides, but they gave me more medication and I felt better. I received more medication for cramps afterward and felt no pain. I also had OHSS. I suggest contacting your clinic right away as this is concerning.
I was shocked to hear about your experience with the clinic not offering full anesthesia. It sounds really traumatic and I hope you find a better option if you need another retrieval. Sending hugs and wishing you a speedy recovery. Take care of yourself and reach out for help if needed.
I don’t want to cause panic, but there was a news story about a nurse at Yale stealing opioids from her fertility clinic years ago. She replaced them with saline, causing some women to experience significant pain during their procedures. My own experience was uncomfortable and hazy, but your situation sounds abnormal and I’m sorry you had to go through that.
While I can’t speak from personal experience, I empathize with the pain you endured during your procedure. It’s unacceptable and inhumane that the medical team failed to manage your pain effectively and continued to put you through unnecessary suffering. They should have stopped and considered better pain management options.
It’s alarming that you are able to recall the painful experience despite being given conscious sedation medications like midazolam and fentanyl. This is unusual. Have you checked out The Retrievals podcast?
I had a similar experience where they administered all available drugs, causing a lot of pain that required deep breathing to get through. I did receive lorazepam beforehand which I believe helped. The pain led to full body shaking, feeling faint when getting off the table, and having to stay for 5 hours due to vomiting, low oxygen, and high blood pressure. Recovery was tough, especially when attempting to go to the bathroom two days later. Since we didn’t tell anyone about our IVF journey, I only discussed it with my husband and made a few comments in this community. I hope you heal from your pain and find success in your journey.
Are you serious? In 2024? You should definitely look into this. Absolutely barbaric.
I am truly sorry that you experienced this. I can’t even fathom undergoing retrieval without being sedated. I had two of the most peaceful “naps” during my retrievals.
I could never undergo a procedure without anesthesia, it seems inhumane.
I am deeply sorry for the experience you went through, and my heart breaks for you. You did not deserve to endure such suffering, and it is unacceptable for any clinic or healthcare provider to allow that kind of pain. Seeking support from a counselor or therapist to navigate this trauma is important, especially in the vulnerable process of IVF. You deserve better, and I wish you healing and strength through this difficult time.
Oh no, that sounds really frustrating and unfair. I had a similar experience with a clinic that used the same medication cocktail. I found it ineffective and felt everything during the procedure. It felt barbaric to me. Despite consulting with an anesthesiologist, they refused to administer stronger medication for my egg retrieval. When I requested more drugs during the process, they denied me and said it was almost over. I left the clinic feeling shaken, but unfortunately I have no other options nearby. I plan to speak up and demand more medication during my next retrieval. It might be helpful for you to share your experience with the clinic to release some of the frustration. Women’s healthcare can be disappointing at times.
I agree with other comments that it doesn’t seem normal. Either they didn’t give you enough medication or you respond differently to it.
I apologize for what you went through and recommend listening to the Spotify podcast The Retrieval. I underwent a similar sedative retrieval but still listened to the stories of those affected, particularly about a nurse stealing pain meds before the procedure. The podcast includes firsthand accounts from victims.
“Full anesthesia typically involves being paralyzed, sedated, and intubated on a ventilator. For an egg retrieval, conscious sedation or ‘twilight’ sedation is usually used, similar to what you would receive for a colonoscopy. Fentanyl and midazolam/versed are commonly used for conscious sedation, providing good pain control and causing amnesia. If you experienced a lot of pain and vivid memories during your procedure, it is possible that you did not receive the proper medications, which could be a sign of staff drug diversion. I recommend reporting this to the clinic director and appropriate authorities, such as the state medical board and DEA, to ensure proper investigation and accountability.”
I recently underwent a retrieval procedure that was painful but not as severe as yours. However, I have been shaken by the experience and don’t believe it’s normal. I have been researching online and found that some clinics offer general anesthesia to ensure complete unconsciousness and zero pain during the procedure. It’s important to discuss pain management options with your medical team and consider switching clinics if necessary. Therapy can also be beneficial in recovering psychologically from such experiences.
It seems that they don’t have an anesthesiologist on staff and are trying to cut costs, which could pose serious harm to you.