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What is ovum pick-up?

The process of collecting oocytes (eggs) by aspirating the follicular fluid is called ovum pick up (OPU), also known as oocyte aspiration or oocyte collection. The standing mare is sedated and given an epidural anesthetic before having the OPU procedure done. A minimum of 15 follicles with a diameter of less than 1 cm are required for an optimal OPU candidate. If not enough follicles are found after this scan, the ovaries are examined again two to three weeks later to give the follicles time to expand. Oocytes are too tiny (125-150mm) to be seen by ultrasonography on their own. By placing an ultrasonic probe with a needle guide into the vagina, the follicles, each of which contains a single egg, may then be seen. The ovary is then pressed against the vaginal wall while being clasped by the rectum. To improve oocyte recovery, 1 cm of each follicle’s fluid is drained and then flushed numerous times.