Since December when the first case of symptoms because of coronavirus was reported to WHO, more and more cases of coronavirus are being reported. The W.H.O rings the alarm bell aloud and calls it a pandemic on? The death toll from coronavirus cases is world-shattering and disrupts the economic, political and social life today across continents. As nations are adopting measures to manage the crisis to prevent the rapid spread, health experts have raised concerns and effects on their treating patients. This writes up is related to the effect of coronavirus or COVID 19 on fertility. It is necessary to enlighten yourself about the new COVID 19 threat and the risks if you are pregnant or taking fertility treatment.
What is COVID 19?
Coronavirus (CoV) is a set of viruses that makes others suffer from the illness ranging from the sign of a common cold to severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS). The new strain discovered in 2019, which is named as COVID 19 by W.H.O has not been previously identified in humans. The virus is termed as (SARS-CoV-2). The disease outbreak was first reported in Wuhan, China.
It has been believed that Coronaviruses are zoonotic, and that first transmission to humans came from animals. The new COVID 19 is spreading from person to person especially those in close contact. The mode of spread is by respiratory droplets when the infected person coughs or squeezes. The contagious nature of the virus increases the risk of infection which has currently no vaccine.
According to W.H.O, the symptoms of COVID 19 include fever, dry cough, and shortness in breath. Some persons are also identified with symptoms like running nose, sore throat, and nasal congestion. The symptoms appear from two to 14 days after exposure. In severe cases, the infection leads to pneumonia in lungs, multi-organ failure, and even death. Recovery depends on the strength of the immune system of the body. This makes the disease deadly for immunocompromised patients, elderly patients, patients with medical problems like high blood pressure or chronic respiratory conditions and pregnant women. Standard recommendations to prevent COVID-19 infection include washing hands, covering nose and mouth while coughing and sneezing, avoid touching eyes, mouth, and nose and most importantly avoiding close contact with anyone showing symptoms of COVID-19 infection.
COVID 19 on Fertility and Human Reproduction
No study has proved that the new coronavirus will affect male fertility. According to the latest updates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the USA and others in Europe, neither it will negatively affect pregnancies especially in early stages. However, there are case reports shows increase risk for preterm birth and adverse neonatal outcomes in infants born to women with COVID-19. Hence as a precautionary measure, it is advisable for the fertility patients planning or considering the treatment to avoid it.
Couples should avoid getting pregnant this time even if they won’t meet the criteria of diagnosis for COVID-19. For those who are already in treatment, I suggest they defer the pregnancy by oocyte or embryo freezing for embryo transfer later on. If you have developed symptoms of COVID-19 after oocyte collection, you should not have an embryo transfer. It is mandatory for those who are under fertility treatment to follow necessary precautionary advice to avoid risks.
What Precautionary Measures to Follow?
- Advised to self-isolate and stay indoors. Avoid contact with those who show COVID-19 symptoms.
- Avoid non-essential travels, especially to infected areas. Avoid if possible use of public transports.
- Separate themselves from other members of the household as far as possible. Use your towel and utensils and eat separately
- Inform your fertility experts about all your medication and follow his/her instructions.
- Minimize the number of physicians and providers
- Avoid initiation of new treatment cycles including IUIs, IVF, ovulation induction, etc.
How to provide support to Fertility Patients amid Corona?
It is necessary to be aware of the emotional impact on pregnant women about the anxiety and the effects of the virus itself. Measures should be taken to keep them calm and composed. There must be effective communication between the fertility expert and the patient and the patient needs to be informed about the changes in the treatment and the reasons for the same.
