Oocyte retrieval is a medical procedure used in assisted reproductive technology, particularly in in vitro fertilization (IVF). During this process, mature eggs, or oocytes, are collected from a woman's ovaries. This is typically done after hormonal stimulation to encourage the development of multiple follicles, each containing an egg. The procedure is usually performed under sedation or anesthesia. A thin needle is guided through the vaginal wall and into the ovaries using ultrasound imaging. Once the needle reaches the follicles, the eggs are gently aspirated and collected for further use in fertilization with sperm, either from a partner or a donor.