NHS Funded IVF & eligibility (smoking)

[Lauren1709]

Hello Everyone

I’m wondering if anyone can provide further information. I was referred by my consultant to an IVF clinic following tests and a series of appointments. He informed me I was eligible for treatment under the NHS and they would be in touch shortly.

I contacted them today, as I was referred 1 month ago and hadn’t so much as received a letter for a future appointment. Turns out they sent me a letter weeks ago that was lost, however the letter was read aloud to me on the phone and stated I was not eligible for treatment under the NHS as my partner smokes.

Now, I knew this was part of the eligibility criteria and completely agree that it should be. However I hadn’t told my consultant my partner smokes, my response was that he hadn’t smoked for 5 years or so and intermittently used an ecig. The receptionist amended the referral saying the info must be wrong and invited me in for an appointment with them.

I’m wondering if anyone knows whether or not I should be worried that I even said my partner smoked in the past? Even though that was years ago! How much scrutiny is given to this criteria? Given that anyone could report they do not smoke and be dishonest.

I think I’m just overthinking and worried that at my appointment this may be brought up again and jeopardise things. Possibly even the use of an ecig which I now regret mentioning.

Any experience of similar discussions would be a great help, thanks.

As your partner hasn't smoked for a considerable amount of time I would imagine it will be no problem at all. Many people give up smoking to be eligible for IVF, so if your partner has not smoked for 5 years there should be no reason for this to be an issueas the legislation is only for those that are current smokers. I don't think they currently have any rules for ecigs either but it may be best for him to stop these for the time being if possible just to not have any bumps in the road to obtaining IVF x

Hi @Lauren1709 I've just been referred to the fertility clinic to.

When seeing the doctor about the referral she asked if I still smoked as it was in my notes that I used to. I told her I didn't (I stopped 4 years ago) and she said the clinic will do a test to confirm this (they test for carbon monoxide levels). However, she didn't bat an eyelid at the fact I used to be a smoker (she didn't even ask how long ago I stopped) so i don't think you'll have a problem x

It will be coded in his GP notes that he smokes. He needs to contact the surgery himself, tell them when he quit and ask them to code it. That will sort it. If the consultant has an issue, the surgery can send them his amended notes. Not sure how the vaping will be viewed.

I used to work in a large IVF clinic. They would ask patients and partners to give up smoking and would do a test in the clinic to ensure they did.