Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Addiction support

Mumsnet doesn't verify the qualifications of users. If you have medical concerns, please consult a healthcare professional.

Original poster

Private IVF smoking

17 replies

ElaineWinter · 12/10/2023 20:04

I'm just wondering if anyone knows if they do the smoking test if you're privately funding ivf? I know they do on the nhs.
I am in the process quitting. Very hard, but trying.
I really want to quit, it's a vicious circle as I get depressed about not conceiving and reach for the cigs. I know some will say if u really want something quitting cigs wouldn’t be a problem :(
Would appreciate if anyone has any information of what they expect through private ivf regarding lifestyle factors. Area, Glasgow

OP posts:
bakewellbride · 12/10/2023 20:06

I don't really know what you mean. I've had 2 babies in the last 5 years and never been asked if I smoke or tested for it. I'm in England

Pinkshoppingbag · 12/10/2023 20:26

I had private IVF in Glasgow and don't recall ever being asked to take a smoking test. I have never smoked.

Helenahandkart · 12/10/2023 21:08

They ask you if you’re a smoker when they do the health questionnaire. That applies to NHS and private. I never got asked to take any kind of smoking test, but you’d be an idiot to lie about it.
IVF is a hideous experience and a massive investment of time, money, emotion, sanity. You need to not waste that investment by smoking.
One of my IVF cycles failed. I got food poisoning just after the embryo was put in. Maybe it would have failed anyway, but 10 years later I still wonder whether I ruined that cycle by my lack of vigilance. Maybe that would have been my baby. Do you really want to wonder whether yours failed because you couldn’t resist a fag?

Original poster
ElaineWinter · 13/10/2023 17:42

I stopped smoking, but my 3 months are not due yet and that scares me in case they will tell me that I need to do a test and then it will be failed. That’s how it works if u go through NHS so just wondering how it works with private

OP posts:
Original poster
ElaineWinter · 13/10/2023 17:43

I stopped smoking, but my 3 months are not due yet that’s why wondering.

OP posts:
rocknrollaa · 13/10/2023 17:44

It's not a good idea to do IVF if you smoke. There are lots of reasons. Google the impacts of smoking in pregnancy. My mum smoked throughout her pregnancy and all of her children have health problems including me. Can't prove the link but there probably is one.

The rule is there for a reason.

Original poster
ElaineWinter · 13/10/2023 17:53

Hi everyone. Just starting the IVF and a bit terrified:) I know the whole process, doctor has explained everything, but maybe there is something what you would recommend or just something what is good to know.

OP posts:
DragonFly98 · 13/10/2023 17:54

No they don't do a test and you have quit, don't give it another thought.

Original poster
ElaineWinter · 13/10/2023 20:03

I stopped, it’s just my 3 months not due yet.

OP posts:
justanotherlaura · 13/10/2023 20:20

I only stopped smoking a few weeks before getting pregnant, was very honest about it and was never asked to do any smoking test. That was NHS and natural conception. I was a little disappointed, I would have liked more support to keep not smoking but all they said was try not to smoke if you can

IWillBeWaxingAnOwl · 13/10/2023 20:36

Congratulations on stopping @ElaineWinter . Neither GCRM or GRH in Glasgow test to see if you are a smoker prior to IVF to my knowledge. NHS GGC does test for smoking in pregnancy (with your consent) but will be totally happy if it's just traces from you having quit.

Best of luck, treat yourself with great kindness. Plan a huge list of (reasonably) healthy relaxation and treat things

Original poster
ElaineWinter · 13/10/2023 20:38

Thank you very much. I am very excited and scared in a same moment, but been waiting very long time for it to happen. Have a great weekend 🤗

OP posts:
Original poster
ElaineWinter · 13/10/2023 20:51

We wanted to go through NHS, but they said we can’t even get in a waiting list unless we are 3 months clean both and then we would get tested and if everything happens ok then we r in and waiting list is 9-12 months. We v been trying for so long and I just recently had news that my only chance is to get pregnant through IVF so just way too long to wait with NHS :(

OP posts:
crankit · 13/10/2023 20:57

Hi op, I've done private ivf and wasn't subjected to any kind of smoking test. Obviously I was asked, but ultimately it's your money and your choice if you quit or not for treatment, so they can't really demand anything of you when you're paying for it, only strongly advise

potatosconelover · 27/10/2023 16:18

Hi @ElaineWinter - well done on quitting! Ex smoker here, and I'm about to start IVF in Scotland on the NHS. I had to do a carbon monoxide test at the first appointment and have been told to expect them at follow ups.

If you aren't three months smoke free I wouldn't worry, as I don't think carbon monoxide stays on your breath for very long (not sure it's detectable after a few days).

It doesn't sound like you're a happy ex smoker yet - read the Allan Carr Easyway to Stop Smoking book or, if you have the money, go to one of the sessions. Nothing else worked for me, it totally changes how you view smoking and you'll be much happier and confident about staying stopped!

Good luck with your IVF. X

Original poster
ElaineWinter · 27/10/2023 16:26

Thank you :) yes, that’s what I thought to do, ordered the book cant wait start reading it and really hope it will work, because still craving sometimes. Good luck with IVF. My ART appointment is on 8th, can’t wait and hope everything will work out. A bit nervous, but also excited 😊

OP posts:
SapphosRock · 27/10/2023 16:29

Also done private IVF and there was no smoking test.

Good luck!

New posts on this thread. Refresh page