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Oocyte retrieval rate calculator

Did I get the expected number of eggs?

Q: Why do some follicles come back empty?

Smaller follicles frequently contain no retrievable egg, and the cohort is never uniform in size. A modest shortfall is expected rather than a problem.

Q: What is empty follicle syndrome?

Rare, and usually caused by a problem with trigger administration or absorption rather than by the ovaries. It is worth confirming the trigger was given correctly and at the right time.

Q: Is a lower rate the clinic's fault?

Rarely. Follicle size distribution is the main driver — smaller follicles frequently contain no retrievable egg. Persistent very low rates across cycles are worth raising, but a single modest result usually reflects the cohort rather than technique.

Eggs actually collected relative to the follicles aspirated. A measure of the retrieval itself rather than of your ovaries.

Eggs retrieved

Total collected

Follicles aspirated

Punctured at retrieval

These are example numbers. Replace them with yours, then press Calculate.

Example answer

79%

70–85%

Within the usual range. Some follicles never contain a retrievable egg.

This is a guide, not a diagnosis. Share the result with your doctor.

Your result on the scale

The ranges this calculator uses. Yours is highlighted.

Your numbers

Everything worked out from what you entered.

Eggs retrieved: 11
Follicles aspirated: 14
Empty follicles: 3

What each result means

Your result is highlighted. Your own clinic's advice always comes first.

Your result<50%

Low. Empty follicle syndrome, trigger administration problems, or technical factors at retrieval are the usual things reviewed. Worth asking specifically what happened.

Your result50–70%

Below typical. Not all follicles yield an egg, but this is at the lower end of what most units see.

Your result70–85%

Within the usual range. Some follicles never contain a retrievable egg.

Your result85%+

A high yield relative to follicles aspirated.

Where this fits in your journey

The usual order, from trying to conceive to pregnancy. Not everyone needs every stage. This calculator belongs to stage 4.

Stage 4 · you are here

During an IVF cycle

Make sense of the numbers your clinic gives you.

Medicines
→
Egg collection
→
Your embryos

This calculator: Did I get the expected number of eggs?

Calculators for what comes next

How this is worked out

Exact calculationArithmetic on the numbers you enter. If your inputs are right, this figure is right.

Oocyte retrieval rate is eggs collected divided by follicles aspirated. Most units see 70 to 85%, because smaller follicles frequently contain no retrievable egg — a modest shortfall is expected rather than a problem.

About this calculator

?What it tells you

Eggs collected compared with follicles. Eggs actually collected relative to the follicles aspirated. A measure of the retrieval itself rather than of your ovaries.

✓When to use it

On the day, when fewer eggs came back than follicles suggested

iWhat you need

Eggs retrieved
Follicles aspirated

!What it cannot tell you

Retrieval rate reflects follicle size distribution and technique as much as ovarian function.

Common questions

Why do some follicles come back empty?

Smaller follicles frequently contain no retrievable egg, and the cohort is never uniform in size. A modest shortfall is expected rather than a problem.

What is empty follicle syndrome?

Rare, and usually caused by a problem with trigger administration or absorption rather than by the ovaries. It is worth confirming the trigger was given correctly and at the right time.

Is a lower rate the clinic's fault?

Rarely. Follicle size distribution is the main driver — smaller follicles frequently contain no retrievable egg. Persistent very low rates across cycles are worth raising, but a single modest result usually reflects the cohort rather than technique.

Sources

Retrieval rates vary with follicle size distribution and technique. Not all follicles are expected to yield an egg.

In an emergency

If you have any of the warning signs listed here, don't wait for a test result or a calculator. Get help now.

112All emergencies, anywhere in India 108Ambulance

Also call your IVF clinic. Most clinics give an emergency number on your treatment or discharge sheet. Save it in your phone now, before you need it.