Nicorette Use During IVF: Risks and Considerations

Question
Hi Dr. Ramirez,

I was a smoker for many years and quit about 2 years ago while trying to conceive.  I had one daughter through IVF and will be doing another IVF in a month.  I still like to have a couple drinks once or twice a week and then and also have that urge to smoke when I do. I don't though, but I will chew a piece, or couple pieces, of Nicorette.  I will not be doing either of these after day 1 of my IVF cycle, but I was wondering how harmful this has been to my cause.  I have also been doing acupuncture the last 3 months so wishful thinking, I guess, that the acupuncture is wiping it out.

Answer
Hello Amy,

Chewing Nicorette should not affect your ability to become pregnant by another IVF cycle as long as you stop prior to the cycle start, as you plan to do.  It is unknown whether the chemical can have an affect if it is in your system so it is best to avoid it.

Acupuncture has been shown to help with IVF pregnancies in some studies, although other studies show it makes no difference.  I have my patients consider it, however.

Good Luck,

Dr. Edward J. Ramirez, M.D., FACOG
Executive Medical Director
The Fertility and Gynecology Center
Monterey Bay IVF Program
www.montereybayivf.com

Monterey, California, U.S.A.

for additional information check out my blog at http://womenshealthandfertility.blogspot.com check me out on twitter with me at @montereybayivf and facebook @montereybayivf