Drink/drug use during ICSI treatment

[Theoldswitcheroo]

Hi, I just wanted a bit of advice. My DSIS is just about to start ICSI treatment but is planning on still drinking and taking recreational drugs during her treatment. I asked if she had discussed this with her Dr to which she replied "no, loads of people drink and take drugs in the early stages of pregnancy without knowing they are pregnant, I'll be fine"

I was a bit shocked when she said this to me as I know how much she wants a baby.

How would drink/drug use effect her treatment (if at all)?

Also how would you suggest I approach this with her as I want her to have the best chance of success as possible but don't want to be patronising or come across like I'm sticking my nose in

[fieldfare]

I'd not interfere if I were you. She'll make her own choices anyway regardless and no doubt knows the risks.

[Theoldswitcheroo]

Thank you for your response, I'm just so worried about her.

I've never her seen her so low during all this, I'm really unsure how she will cope if this treatment isn't successful.

[eurochick]

I agree. Stay out of it. Fwiw I had the odd glass of wine during some of my Ivf rounds. The embryo doesn't implant any earlier in an ivf pregnancy. I'd raise eyebrows at the drug use at any time.

[Theoldswitcheroo]

Thank you, like I said, I'm just worried for her and if I can say/do anything to help then I will.

The drug use has been an ongoing issue for some years but she refuses to acknowledge that it's a problem.

[hawaiibaby]

You could suggest the counselling service to her (clinics have to legally offer a minimum of 3 sessions). It sounds like it might do her good. Personally, I didn't drink at all but what you describe sounds different from the odd glass of wine and I'd be worried too about it affecting her chances if her body isn't in peak health to cope with the fertility drugs and changes to her body. Obviously the drugs are even worse as who knows what they might do when she is already being prescribed a cocktail of shit! I completely get why you are worried and I think you're doing the right thing trying to talk to her and see how she is coping and feeling. She doesn't have to talk to you, but people need people and I think it's great you are looking out for her. good luck

[Theoldswitcheroo]

Thank you hawaiibaby she is having counselling but if I'm honest, it seems to be having the opposite effect on her and she is becoming more unstable.

I think she is just finding the whole process overwhelming and the drink and drugs have become her crutch.

[fieldfare]

The whole process IS overwhelming. Something that your body should be able to do perfectly well, what it was designed for, it is failing at. I can well understand the need for a glass of wine tbh, and we're at the beginning of our treatment too.

If you feel that you absolutely need to be honest with her then tell her that the drug use is very concerning indeed and you're there to support her with whatever she needs. The odd glass of wine however, that's really not a big issue in the grand scheme of things.