The coronavirus pandemic has had a huge impact on the lifestyles of people throughout the world and dealing with COVID-19 has become a part of everyday life. Many steps have been put in place, to control the spread of the virus-like frequent washing hands, maintaining social distance, usage of masks in public spaces.
Amid all these changes because of coronavirus, people turned to the Internet for information about fertility which led to the spread of some myths. This article aims to debunk some myths related to coronavirus and fertility and discuss the impact of the pandemic on couples trying to conceive.
Infections that cause fever were commonly believed to interfere with fertility treatments. For women receiving ovarian stimulation and experiencing a fever during their cycle. It was found that a lower number of eggs were retrieved, higher doses of medication needed and they had a longer treatment period.
Facts: Coronavirus And Fertility.
1. What is the effect of coronavirus on male and female fertility?
In terms of male fertility, there is sufficient proof that ailments that cause fevers, such as COVID-19, have a short duration impact on male fertility. However, the impacts of these ailments are only temporary. At the moment there is no evidence that COVID-19 can affect male fertility permanently.
2. Should you not try to conceive during Coronavirus Pandemic?
If you do not have COVID-19, then there is no such medical reason to alter your plans about trying to conceive. However, if you are infected with COVID-19, for now, it is recommended to delay pregnancy and wait for your full recovery before trying to conceive through natural means or artificial reproductive procedures like IUI and IVF.
3. Will COVID-19 have a higher risk of affecting pregnant women?
As per the World Health Organization (WHO), pregnant women are not at higher risk of disease concerned with COVID-19. Only 1% of infected pregnant women have experienced a severe health problem that needed medical care. No studies exist so far that shows adverse pregnancy results in pregnant women with COVID-19. But pregnancy may result in changes in the body that may higher the risk of infection. For more information, get in touch with Best Gynecology Hospital in Bangalore.
4. Can a pregnant woman infected with COVID-19 pass the virus to the baby?
The transmission of COVID-19 from mother-to-child during pregnancy is very rare. Research indicates that Covid-19 has no presence in cord blood, amniotic fluid, or throat swabs from neonatal, or breast milk samples.
Although COVID-19 infection was identified in a newborn baby in a recent case, so the movement of the virus from mother to baby during the time immediately before and after birth can not be excluded at this stage. There is a possibility that a newborn may be infected after birth if they come in close contact with the virus or an infected person.
5. What should patients plan for ARTs like IVF and IUI?
Patients who are likely to have COVID-19 or a positive COVID-19 test result, including those planning to use oocyte donors, sperm donors, or gestational carriers, should take into account to prevent pregnancy.
If such patients are taking infertility treatment then they should consider freezing all oocytes or embryos and avoid an embryo transfer until they are disease-free. However, this recommendation does not surely apply solely when there is a doubt of COVID-19. Based on case-to-case, a doctor will be able to advise a couple on the best treatment options.
6. Is it safe for you to visit Hospital during treatment for fertility as well as after getting pregnant?
Yes, Definitely. For people entering the hospital premises, nearly all hospitals have incorporated stringent checks such as temperature, pulse rate, etc. at different places. There are strict rules that allow only the patient to come to the Out-Patient Department along with the mandatory wearing of masks. Minimizing contact with social distancing in elevators and wards is implemented. Pregnant women may opt for teleconsultation and reduce visits to hospital unless there is an emergency.
7. Is it good to postpone my pregnancy plans until the pandemic is over?
No, the reason for this is that nobody really knows when the pandemic will end. Assuming it will end after a few months, and then planning for pregnancy may not be suitable for certain couples. As time goes on, the ovarian reserve decreases the risk of subfertile women being more likely to have to undergo advanced procedures in order to conceive.
Take-Home Message:
1. If the diagnostic tests for COVID-19 come Positive, it is advised that you avoid getting pregnant and wait until the infection subsides before proceeding with Artificial Reproductive Techniques.
2. If you do not have COVID-19, want to pursue IVF or IUI, it is suggested that clinics in regions with fewer COVID-19 transmission rates consider reopening fertility clinics and begin treatment for couples.
3. If you do not have COVID-19, there is no such medical reason to change your plans on trying to conceive.
Trying for pregnancy is a truly personal decision, so unlike any other time, it’s up to you to decide when you want to start trying – when in doubt, seek help from the Best Gynecologist in JP Nagar, Bangalore.
Get in touch with Aster RV which is one of the Best COVID treatment hospitals in JP Nagar, Bangalore.
