Smear tests private clinics... Help

[Emmzy2021]

Hello,

Does anyone know if you have to have an upto date smear in a private clinic for IVF? I had a miscarriage at the end of February and then had a letter saying I was due my smear test. The NHS IVF clinic phoned to start my treatment planning appointment but they then told me I couldn't start until I had an upto date smear. I went for the smear test and then the nurse told me that I couldn't have it until 12 weeks until after my miscarriage. Both so upset with the delay, its crazy as my smear was due in November but I didn't have a letter until end of February, so I had two FETs done on an expired smear.

Thanks

Hi OP - really sorry for your loss. At Lister you have to have an up to date smear, yes. I had one round where I had had the test but not the result and they let me carry on, but they said I couldn’t if I hadn’t had the test. Not sure about anywhere else but I assume it’s a general requirement.

Hello, my clinic Create asked for an up to date smear too. I think it's to reduce the risk of starting treatment and finding any problems which would then delay it or result in cancelled cycle.

Perhaps you could ask your GP if they will reconsider and do the smear sooner under the circumstances? Maybe there is a chance the result will be inconclusive after your miscarriage, or perhaps it's not advisable to have the speculum inserted after what you have been through? If they could explain the reasoning behind it, you'll know whether it's worth pushing them to do it sooner.

Really sorry for your loss, hope the IVF works next time.