Oocytes are obtained by transvaginal puncture of a follicle during ultrasound guidance.

A thin, hollow needle is passed through the skin of the vagina into a follicle on the ovary. With gentle suction, fluid is drawn out of the follicle and immediately examined under a microscope in order to locate the oocyte. This procedure is repeated for each follicle; altogether, it takes five to ten minutes.

For pain relief, brief general anesthesia is usually used. If the patient so desires, the procedure may be performed without anesthesia; in some cases, Acupuncture may be used.