1. Does COVID-19 impact fertility or pregnancy?
Very little is known about COVID-19, particularly on reproduction, pregnancy, and infants.
According to ACOG, COVID-19 does not indicate that pregnant women are at increased risk. However, pregnant women are known to be at greater risk of severe morbidity and mortality from other respiratory infections such as influenza and SARS-CoV. As such, pregnant women should be considered an at-risk population for COVID-19. Additionally, there is limited information from published scientific reports about the susceptibility of pregnant women to COVID-19 and the severity of the infection. “In limited recent case series of infants born to mothers infected with COVID-19 published in the peer-reviewed literature, none of the infants have tested for COVID-19.” (ACOG)
2. Can COVID-19 affect my sperm, eggs, or embryos?
Currently, there is no scientific evidence of transmission of COVID-19 to embryos. Also, there is no evidence of the transmission to sperm or eggs.
Hanabusa IVF has one of the most state-of-the-art laboratory monitoring systems on the market today, Xiltrix, monitoring all our equipment and storage tanks for the safety of your eggs, embryos, and sperm. Read more here. https://www.hanabusaivf.com/blog/2020/april/a-message-from-our-lab-director-regarding-your-f/
3. Can COVID-19 be transmitted to the fetus in pregnancy?
We have very limited data on surrounding this area of medicine. However, in February 2020, The Lancet published an article from Wuhan University discussing the management of pregnant women infected with COVID-19. In this article, seven pregnant women with COVID-19 were assessed. They did a neonatal throat swab and collected cord blood, amniotic fluid, and breast milk samples. Based on the results, three neonates were tested for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-Cov-2), and one was found to be infected with COVID-19, 36 hours after birth. It is important to remember that these studies only assessed a few cases. There is no reliable evidence that was provided to support the possibility of vertical transmission of COVID-19 from mother to baby. Read more here. https://www.thelancet.com/journals/laninf/article/PIIS1473-3099(20)30191-2/fulltext?rss=yes
4. Should I consider postponing fertility treatment?
Every case/patient/situation is different so we encourage you to speak to your medical provider to decide the best options for you.
5. Do I need to wear a mask at Hanabusa’s office?
Yes, all patients and staff members are required to wear a mask.
6. Is Hanabusa IVF testing for COVID-19?
We are currently working with several laboratories to provide possible COVID-19 testing to our patients in the upcoming weeks. If you are showing symptoms and have been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19, or if you have recently traveled to an area with the ongoing spread of COVID-19, please call your primary healthcare provider or click here https://www.goodrx.com/blog/drive-thru-coronavirus-testing-near-me/ to find a drive-thru testing site near you.
7. What happens if I suspect I have COVID-19, and I’m in the process of fertility treatment?
If you suspect you’re sick with COVID-19, seek medical care immediately. Tell your doctor about your recent travel and your symptoms. Also, avoid contact with others and contact Hanabusa IVF with your condition as soon as possible.
8. What happens if I contract COVID-19 while in a cycle (IUI, IVF, and FET)?
We will reschedule your cycle. This means that you won’t be permitted to proceed with elective procedures such as egg retrievals, embryo transfer or artificial insemination. We will postpone your treatment cycle until you’re 100% healthy.
We understand that this is a difficult situation, but we are doing this to ensure your safety and others.
