11/10/2020
FAQS: INFERTILITY TREATMENT DURING COVID19 PANDEMIC.
At the time of writing this article, evidence regarding COVID 19 is still emerging and many facts may change in due course of time.
1. Does COVID 19 affect my fertility?
Ans: Like many other viral infections, COVID 19, if contracted may cause inflammation of the te**is and there may be a temporary decrease in the total motile s***m count, especially if fever is present. No major effect of the coronavirus on female fertility has been observed.
2. Is it wise to get pregnant during COVID19 pandemic?
Ans: Getting pregnant during COVID 19 is a matter of personal choice. Pregnant women are considered as moderate risk as it has been seen that in general, with any other viral infection also pregnant women are slightly more susceptible than their non pregnant counterparts.
3. Will COVID 19 affect my unborn child in any way?
Ans: According to the evidence that has surfaced till now, there is no effect of COVID 19 on the organ development of the baby. Also, there is no evidence suggesting increased risk of miscarriage because of COVID 19 infection.
4. Are IVF clinics functioning fully?
Ans: Yes. At Milann, we have started OPDs and all procedures.
5. What precautions are IVF clinics taking during COVID Pandemic?
Ans: As per advice by the ART governing bodies of the country, Milann is following the under mentioned protocol
a. Video Consultations have become a norm (If no scan or intervention is required)
b. Triage and screening of staff and patients prior to entry into the hospital
c. Sanitization at the entry to the clinic as well as at the reception
d. Rearrangement of waiting area in order to maintain social distancing
e. Disinfection of waiting area sofas, ultrasound beds, ultrasound probes, semen collection areas and examination rooms after each and every usage.
f. Usage of mask, face shields and gloves by staff. (PPE on requirement basis)
6. Will I get tested for COVID if I choose to undergo treatment?
Ans: If an IUI or IVF is being started for you, it’s advisable to go ahead with a rapid testing at the beginning of the procedure. If that is negative, the treatment is started. Prior to the actual OT procedure, it is mandatory to do a RTPCR COVID test. Husband may also be advised to take the COVID test.
7. What happens if I get COVID 19 during my IVF treatment?
Ans: As per protocol, it’s mandatory to get tested for COVID prior to any procedure. If you are tested as COVID Positive prior to Egg retrieval or any other OT procedure, the same will stand cancelled.
8. Should I wait for the IVF treatment till the pandemic ends?
Ans: High risk patients like those with diabetes, hypertension, kidney, lung, liver diseases or those on immunosuppresants should defer treatment during this time. Patients with low ovarian reserve, endometriosis, requirement of fertility preservation and those whose emotional and psychological wellness are affected by infertility can be prioritized for treatment.
9. Are my frozen embryos safe during this pandemic?
Ans: Although effect of the virus on gametes and embryos are still unknown and studies are still ongoing, there is NO evidence of cross contamination of COVID 19 between embryos that are stored in IVF labs.
10. Is there anything I can do to improve the chances of pregnancy while waiting for the pandemic to get over?
Ans: During this wait, prepare your body for a pregnancy. Exercise, eat a complete balanced diet, take folic acid, lower your stress levels and ask your doctor if any supplements are required.
