Rubella immunity IVF?

[Fishface199]

Well 40 years old and undergoing my first IVF next month. Or so I thought.

I had my blood tests (hep/HIV) but my consultant has told me to get the rubella antibodies test done. No problem, as I did have the rubella vaccine as a child. But then he said rubella immunity wears off and if I have low immunity, treatment will have to be delayed for 2 months whilst I got the MMR vaccine.

I am frustrated because I am already an old codger and waiting 2 extra months at this age is painful. Does anyone know whether this is standard practice? I feel really annoyed as we were ready to go when I had this dropped on me!

Sorry just wondering whether any other ladies had a similar experience.

Hi Fishface, I found out that I have no immunity to rubella when pregnant with my son, once he was born I was given the mmr, but then when tested again prior to IUI (we have secondary infertility) I found out I still had no immunity so for whatever reason the vaccine just doesn't work on me. There was no mention of it however prior to my ivf cycle and they didn't test for it either, so I'm not sure whether it's standard practise with other clinics. Although 2 months is a frustrating delay for you (and very annoying that they didn't tell you sooner!), rubella can cause an awful lot of harm to an unborn baby so if you do need it, I would say better to be safe than sorry.

Thank you closephine. You are right it is a safety issue. Just was very frustrated. Contacted another IVF clinic to see whether if we went with them the rubella test would be an issue (your point was noted) but they said it would be unethical to talk to me as I have already spoken to another clinic (even though not signed any docs or agreed any protocols).

I know 2 months is not a huge amount of time but I feel every month counts .