Blood donation and IVF?

[IVFat40]

This is a bit of an odd one, but does anyone have thoughts/experience on whether it would be ok to give blood a few weeks before doing IVF?

I've been a blood donor on and off for most of my adult life but have been hesitant to give over the last year as I've been doing IVF (3 fresh rounds and 2 FETs) and was worried the loss of blood could impact the IVF. But, I don't really have any evidence to support that either way, I guess I was just thinking that lots of blood flow is good for IVF, so it might be bad to have some blood removed, but I know that is totally unscientific 😂

[Ivfgotadream]

I can imagine it would be fine but they may refuse because you will have been taking lots of artificial hormone drugs

[IVFat40 in reply to Ivfgotadream]

Thank you hun, good point I'll need to check this with them, although it's been a while since an egg collection as I've been doing FETs so hopefully this could make it easier

[Lion1982]

I tried to give blood recently (after an IVF cycle) and was told that they couldn't accept a donation from me if I was actively trying to conceive, and I was sent away. This isn't made clear in the questionnaire/paperwork they send you beforehand, so would be worth checking this ahead of any appointment.

[IVFat40 in reply to Lion1982]

That's really helpful hun, it sounds like sadly they may turn me away as well then

[Jane8412]

Hey- I made the decision to stop donating blood when I struggled with TTC. I started seeing an acupuncturist and she told me to stop donating immediately to get my health on track (she spoke a lot about blood flow and making a nest in my uterus). Obviously she's not a doctor, but when I thought about it I figured that I needed my body to be in top condition and donating blood may have taken away from that. I would be interested to know if there is any research or medical advice behind donating blood when undergoing IVF. Good luck with your next round x

[IVFat40 in reply to Jane8412]

That's interesting, and makes me feel I wasn't so nuts for wondering about this kind of thing 😀 Also interesting that there seem to be quite a few of us thinking about this whole giving blood/IVF thing.

[Core]

I’ve often wondered this have never donated blood but always wanted to but have been unsure while going through ivf so it’s really interesting seeing everyone’s opinions xx

[CharlieW1985]

I too tried donating over Xmas and was turned away. Can't give blood if having IVF xx

[IVFat40 in reply to CharlieW1985]

Thank you, really helpful to know.

[Sparklylife]

If you are in the UK - they got a health and eligibility section on blood.co.uk. You can then look up “IVF - infertility” under I 👍 might help! Or there is a number to call to check if in doubt.

Hopefully this link will be correct;

my.blood.co.uk/knowledgebas...

Good to see that quite a few have been donating blood, they have quite strict protocols, so if people can - it is such an amazing act to do for others! 😇🥰

I don’t know exactly either - but your blood volume increases in pregnancy - why you can feel dizzy and blood pressure can drop. So it sounds reasonable to ensure you are not short on blood before you try if that makes sense. And you need good blood flow in your pelvis. ☺️

Good luck with your treatment!

[IVFat40 in reply to Sparklylife]

Thank you so much hun