Egg Collection Upcoming & Nails

[SurvivorPhoenix]

Hi all,

I had my third scan today and finally ready to go ahead with egg collection which is happening on Wednesday. The nurse told me I can’t have fake nails on to which I replied that my nails are my own and she said that should be ok. However, on the form I’ve noticed it says no nail polish too and I have gel polish on. Does anyone have any experience of this and if they had to remove or if it was ok?

I’d also be grateful if anyone has any tips and advice ok how to prepare, what to take etc for the day and afterwards x

[Football61]

Hi. They usually advise that you should have at least one nail polish-free. It’s to do with the anaesthetic. G0d forbid if something went wrong, it’s helpful for them to see the colour of your nail (i.e. if it has turned blue). I removed all my nail polish for egg collection, just to be safe. Also no make up, perfume or scented deodorant. Good luck for Wednesday! x

[SurvivorPhoenix in reply to Football61]

Thank you - ah ok. I wish I’d known, wouldn’t have got my nails done last Friday 🤦🏾‍♀️ x

[Football61 in reply to SurvivorPhoenix]

Oh no. Can you just get the polish removed from one of your pinky fingers…?

[SurvivorPhoenix in reply to Football61]

I’ve looked online and it’s says to not have any on. Trying to remove myself now… oh well. Better to be safe than sorry

[PepsiCola88]

I was told they needed one nail bare for the oxygen monitor when you're sedated.

I just had all taken off as thought one nail would look strange.

[Livinginoz]

Hi, do you mind if I ask which clinic you’re at? I was going to ask this question myself!

[SurvivorPhoenix in reply to Livinginoz]

Hi, I’m in care fertility bath

[Bimsie1310]

When I had my first collection, I also had gel varnish on my own nails and had the same concerns but didn't want to remove it so took the chance and the clinic didn't even comment on it and I collection no problem.

[SurvivorPhoenix in reply to Bimsie1310]

Thank you - I’ve made a right hash of taking them off. Shame there are mixed messages everywhere but guess an excuse to get them done again as a treat if I feel up to it.

[Pizzabook]

Recent egg collection and they told me gel nails were fine, no issues with this during the procedure.

[GemRim]

Glad that you are ready for egg collection! I had gel polish on and got told I needed to remove it for the procedure. I couldn’t get an appt so literally just soaked some cotton wool pads in nail polish remover, and popped them on my nails with some foil wrapped round. It look a while but eventually I got it off!

As for the day I just made sure I had something comfy to wear after as I felt quite bloated, also took a dressing gown and some slippers

Good luck!

[SurvivorPhoenix in reply to GemRim]

Thank you for the advice, they didn’t mention bringing any clothes, gowns etc but I will pack just in case. You’d take all these things for a mini surgery which this kind of is.

[WillowPark]

Hi, my clinic seem to be a bit stricter than others. When I went in for egg collection the nurse checked my fingers and toes for nail polish. They have said things like strong smells/chemicals affect the embryos and also the room is a surgical environment so has to be kept sterile. They do transfers in the same room as egg collection so same rules apply. The embryologists remind you about it the day before a transfer. I've posted this on here before though and some people have had very different experiences though so you might be OK depending on your clinic.

[SurvivorPhoenix in reply to WillowPark]

Thank you. I had major surgery to remove a ruptured tumour on my liver back in 2020. I had gel polish on then and there was nothing they could do. That was an emergency op so it was out of our control. I guess this time, I have time to prepare and organise myself

[WillowPark in reply to SurvivorPhoenix]

Wow - glad they didn't turn you away for your nails on that occasion! My personal opinion is that if there is a risk for me or my embryos then I wouldn't leave polish or cosmetics on - my nails aren't important enough for that. And if I'd treat myself in that way I'd definitely want to do the right thing by the people coming into the room after me. Just my personal opinion though, and I know for others nails are life!

[Lenley81]

I had the same situation. My final scan was with the consultant & I said to her I was sad that I was going to have to remove my gel nails that I’d had done for a wedding a few weeks earlier (and were somehow lasting amazingly well). She said the only reason they ask you to remove it is so that the pulse ox meter can get a reading. She said I could just remove one nail for that. I was able to keep the rest of them (and my toes).

[SurvivorPhoenix]

thank you all for the comments. I’ve removed the lot just to be safe x