Apparatus for collection of oocytes

An oocyte aspirator assembly for use in in vitro fertilization procedures includes a vacuum source for creating a vacuum in the assembly. The assembly also includes valve mechanisms to selectively vary the intensity of the vacuum created in the assembly between at least two levels, one of which is at a first low level at which oocytes can be safely aspirated from ovarian follicles, and a second of which is at a higher level than the first low level. The assembly also includes a control which can be manually or automatically actuated to change the vacuum level in the assembly. The control can take the form of one or more foot pedals or an occlude button mounted on a casing for the assembly. The assembly also may include a third vacuum level which equals the full output of the vacuum motor.