Although egg collection is done with great care under with the use of ultrasound, it is impossible to get a detailed image of the bowel, the bladder, and small blood vessels. Inevitably, the advancing needle may inadvertently hit one of these structures as it enters the ovary.

Perforation of the bowel can happen after egg collection, and can go unnoticed by patient and doctor alike. It may occasionally account for unexplained pain after an egg collection because of inflammation around the perforation site. It is very unlikely to be dangerous. Rarely, a woman may develop an ovarian abscess, caused by infection or bacteria from the bowel leaking out of the hole caused by the needle. In this instance, surgery may be needed to drain the infection site.

Equally uncommonly, a blood vessel may be perforated. Excessive bleeding may be noticed when the needle is withdrawn from the vagina. This normally stops quickly and is of no consequence.

Despite countless breakthroughs in medical science, we still do not understand why some pregnancies will end in tragedy. For most of us, having a child of our own is the most fulfilling experience of our lives. All of us can imagine the desperation and sadness of parents who lose a baby, and the life-shattering impact that a disabled or seriously ill child has on a family.

Professor Robert Winston’s Genesis Research Trust raises money for the largest UK-based collection of scientists and clinicians who are researching the causes and cures for conditions that affect the health of women and babies.

Essential Parent is proud to support their wonderful work. You can learn more about them here.