Pre-retrieval procedure

[magda_s]

Quick question... Tomorrow morning I go in for the retrieval at 8am and I was wondering if anyone who's done IVF knows anything about not using soap etc prior to a retrieval.
Last time I was told that aside from not eating or drinking anything, I also shouldn't use soap or any kind of cleanser, shouldn't use toothpaste, no body lotion, no facial moisturiser.  Basically nothing that has any odor as apparently the embryos don't like manufactured odors.
This time they neglected to mention it and I was wondering just how seriously to take it 'cause I have to say, it's fairly unpleasant not being able to wash my face or brush my teeth or anything.  And this time we have to go in for 7:30 and will be staying until at least 11:30!!!
Thanks everyone.

[desparado]

To be honest with you I've never heard of that before and I know a few women who have done retrievals. I too have done it in April 07 and was just told not to eat. I guess you could use some natural products that are odour free but I know what you mean about wanting to brush your teeth. Heck I even used listerine that morning to make my breath extra fresh and I retreived 5 eggs. Good luck

[miky72]

I was told not to use fragrances but I did brush my teeth and take a shower with a fragrance free soap..
Good luck for tomorrow!
Miky

[magda_s]

Thank you! Much appreciated!

[babyalive]

Good luck Magda,  I hope all goes well with the retrieval.  

[AngieBennetts]

I have had 7 retrievals and was told by all not to use deodorant or perfume.  Soap was fine - as long as it was low fragrance.  Hope you get beautiful eggs that all fertilise!

Best of luck!
Angie

[magda_s]

Just back from the retrieval.  Well.  It was done at 9am and it's now 3pm but I was out for two hours and then it's a 3 hour drive home.
They got 22 follicles and tonight they should be able to tell us how many are what type and all the rest of it.
I'm such an idot though... it wasn't pre-retrieval I'd been told to stay away from fragrances for.  It was pre-transfer!!
Is this what others have been told???
Also, to those who've been through this, do you get totally knocked out for the retrieval?  Last time I was knocked out and didn't wake for the first time till 3 hours later and it was another 2 hours before I was allowed to leave.  This time they used a little less so I was out for about an hour and half and then I left an hour after waking up.
I had thought that we were supposed to have a light sedative to the point where you would even be able to watch the retrieval on the ultrasound!

[SDteacher]

Congrats on the 22 follys!  I was told that the embryos don't like sound (they're sensitive) and fragrances.  You can wash your face and brush your teeth!  That is rediculous.  You can't use scented deodorant and perfume.  Tell your DH not to use deodorant too if he plans on being in the room during the transfer.   YESI was totally knocked out for the retrieval.  Your experience today sounds more like my last experience.
I am going for cycle #2 next month. My retrieval will not be until March.  I will be thinking of you though!  Good luck!