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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To request conscious sedation for egg retrieval (IVF)

109 replies

SquashedSquashess · 14/03/2026 16:42

I have IVF coming up in the next few months.

Our NHS IVF clinic offers only gas and air as standard for the egg retrieval procedure. Our nurse was emphatic that this is clinically effective, and has persuaded my husband (who won’t be having a needle repeatedly jabbed through his uterus wall into his ovaries) that this is fine.

A friend of mine who has been through IVF recommended sedation, and seemed shocked I’d only be offered gas and air.

I’m concerned that, as with so much in women’s health, this “clinically effective” option is offered to keep costs down without any consideration of whether it’s best for me.

In addition, I previously had PTSD from a rape which I’ve overcome. I’ve been through various intrusive procedures on the IVF journey without incident, but don’t fancy the prospect of being re-triggered if gas and air is going to result in the egg retrieval process being both invasive and painful.

Grateful for any insights from others that have been through this.

YABU: gas and air will be fine
YANBU: request the sedation

OP posts:
Owl23 · 14/03/2026 17:02

I had sedation, I wouldn't have wanted just G&A.

You should request whatever makes you most comfortable

7238SM · 14/03/2026 17:02

I've had several rounds of IVF and it was always under 'twilight' sedation. All at the same hospital (Guys in London)- the first under NHS and the rest we paid for. I was out to it, didn't hear or feel a thing till they woke me up in the recovery room. Once I could walk/dress etc I could go home. Only about an hour I think, so not like a general anaesthetic which can be hours.

I read about another woman on MN, abroad, who has gas and air. After reading her account and others, I too would want sedation. Its extra cost because they need an anaesthetist there too. Have you enquired what the additional cost is or if that is even an option?

potentialdogowner · 14/03/2026 17:02

I’ve had just G&A for egg retrieval twice. Once under NHS and once as private patient under care - I could have bought sedation extra but didn’t feel I needed it. Yes it was a bit painful but it didn’t take long and it meant I could leave quickly afterwards. I’ve had sedation for endoscopy before and it took me ages to come round. I don’t think either option is unreasonable, but most do have it under G&A.

Edit to clarify that by ‘private patient under care’ I mean that the clinic was called ‘care’!!

mynameiscalypso · 14/03/2026 17:00

I can’t imagine having it under G&A. I was sedated for mine and wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.

welshweasel · 14/03/2026 16:59

I had a GA for mine!

AliceAbsolum · 14/03/2026 16:58

Absolutely refuse gas and air, this should be done with sedation.
You're in Scotland I assume?

parietal · 14/03/2026 16:55

I had sedation for IVF (standard in USA) and it was v effective. Gas and air doesn’t do much for me.

catownerofthenorth · 14/03/2026 16:54

Gas and air is very effective if you really go for it. Ideal for short term pain.

tutugogo · 14/03/2026 16:47

I haven’t had this procedure but I have had sedation and it was horrible, completely messed with my head and I felt really weird for many hours, it means you have to stay in the hospital for an extended period rather than being able to leave. The procedure I have done is recurring and ever since I’ve opted for no pain relief, it is in my case a few seconds of discomfort if there’s one, a few minutes if a few rather than hours of post sedation fog. Apparently most do want the drugs and most feel ill afterwards. Perhaps I’m just a control freak as I hated feeling out of it. Do your research on the negatives before you fight it