Coronavirus and assisted reproduction: What you need to know

COVID-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, emerged in late 2019, rapidly transforming daily life and healthcare worldwide. This highly contagious respiratory disease has led to millions of cases and significantly affected health systems. With symptoms ranging from mild to severe, COVID-19 has shown that it can affect not only general health but also specific areas such as fertility and assisted reproduction treatments.

In these times of uncertainty due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, many couples and people who are considering or are already undergoing assisted reproduction have questions and concerns. Here we offer you key information and recommendations to understand this situation if you are undergoing assisted reproduction treatment or plan to start it.

COVID-19 has significantly impacted all aspects of daily life, including reproductive health services. As knowledge about the virus evolves, fertility clinics are adapting to ensure the safety of patients and staff.

Impact on assisted reproduction treatments:

For couples and individuals on the path to conception through assisted reproduction, COVID-19 has presented unique challenges and questions. Since the beginning of the pandemic, clinics and patients have had to adapt to a new reality, balancing the desire to advance treatments and the need to guarantee safety against the virus.

Adaptations in clinics:
Assisted reproduction clinics have implemented strict hygiene and safety protocols to protect both patients and staff. These measures include scheduling appointments to minimize contact, mandatory use of masks, and performing COVID-19 testing before key procedures.

Considerations for patients:
Patients undergoing treatment or those planning to begin treatment should consider several factors:

• General Health: It is crucial to stay in good health and follow COVID-19 prevention guidelines.
• Treatment Planning: Some may choose to postpone treatments to avoid potential risks of exposure to the virus in medical settings.
• Emotional Impact: The uncertainty and added stress of the pandemic can affect the emotional well-being of patients, making it essential to seek support and advice.
• Virtual Consultations: Take advantage of virtual consultations to discuss your treatment options and any concerns with your fertility specialist.

Impact of COVID-19 on fertility

So far, there is no conclusive evidence to suggest that COVID-19 directly affects fertility. However, stress and anxiety related to the pandemic can have an impact on reproductive health. Discuss any concerns with your doctor.

Vaccination and fertility:
Vaccination against COVID-19 has been widely recommended, including for individuals seeking fertility treatments. Studies indicate that the vaccine is not only safe but also recommended to improve the chances of a healthy pregnancy by reducing the risk of COVID-19-related complications during pregnancy.

In these unprecedented times, it is critical that couples and individuals seeking to conceive through assisted reproduction stay informed and in constant communication with their healthcare providers. Adaptability and caution are key to successfully navigating the path to conception during the COVID-19 pandemic.

If you are considering or currently undergoing assisted reproduction treatment and have questions about how COVID-19 may impact your journey to conception, we invite you to contact our specialists. We are here to support you and provide you with the information and care you need during these challenging times.