COVID-19 AND FERTILITY

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is caused by a new strain of Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) discovered in 2019 and not previously identified in humans. Common symptoms include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. On March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced the current COVID-19 outbreak as a pandemic.

Dr Edward Morris, President of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, said: “We welcome this precautionary approach as COVID-19 is a new virus, but would like to reassure pregnant women that, as things stand, no new evidence has come to light suggesting they are at higher risk of becoming seriously unwell compared with other healthy individuals.

It’s right that as we gain a better understanding of this virus, we continually review and update the evidence.

WILL An infection with cOVID-19 AFFECT FEMALE FERTILITY?

When it comes to the impact of infections similar to coronavirus such as influenza on female fertility, the evidences are few. It’s possible, that infections that cause a fever could interfere with fertility treatments, but it is not proven.  In a small study it has been reported that, if a women undergoing ovarian stimulation (the medication protocol used during IVF and egg freezing), having a fever during their cycle was associated with a lower number of eggs retrieved, a longer cycle, and higher doses of required medication.

However, even if it were true that fevers could impact IVF or egg freezing cycles temporarily, there’s no good reason to believe they’d have a long-term effect on female fertility, there’s no evidence that “a high fever should have a measurable or significant impact on a woman’s future fertility.” So, the data we currently have does not suggest that COVID-19 will impact fertility.

WILL An infection with COVID-19 AFFECT MALE FERTILITY?

There’s good evidence that illnesses that cause fevers—such as influenza or COVID-19—affect male fertility in the short term. It is seen that seasonal flus are known to reduce male fertility due to the fever associated with high temperature in the testes.” But currently, it is believed that the novel coronavirus is similar to a common seasonal flu virus regarding its impact on male fertility.”

There are evidences that impact is only temporary and the recovery takes place within 2-3 months .There’s no evidence at the moment that COVID-19 can impact male fertility permanently, but since it is new virus there are concerns based on the rare yet serious effects of viral infections like mumps and SARS (which can cause orchitis, or severe inflammation in the testicles that may damage fertility). It is premature to conclude that COVID-19 will definitely affect male fertility.”

THE IMPACT OF A DELAY

For many whose plans to conceive (whether naturally or via fertility treatments) have been postponed by the pandemic, a big question arise “ Will this delay affect my chances of getting pregnant?

The short answer is no “when we’re talking about the decline of fertility with age, we’re talking in terms of years, not months.” There’s no evidence that a brief delay—one to two months, for example—has an impact on success rates. But the  latest update on April 7th from  ASRM says:

“If you don’t have COVID-19, there is no medical reason to change your plans regarding trying to conceive. However, there may be logistical, psychological, and emotional reasons to modify your plans…Out of an abundance of caution, you may consider postponing pregnancy.”

So don’t let that fear be a factor in your decision to wait (or not).

PREPARE FOR THIS NEXT STEP, EVEN AS YOU WAIT:

WHAT ARE THE THINGS YOU CAN DO?

TELECONSULTATION

It is important to be connected to your doctor by Teleconsultation. Schedule a virtual consultation with your fertility specialist.

This is the time which you can utilize to improve your fertility and learn about your fertility status and improve it.

TO KNOW ABOUT YOUR AMH STATUS

AMH  is the hormone which is liberated from the ovaries and tells about our future fertility and eggs supply. This is the perfect time to get it done at home and consult your specialist.

QUIT SMOKING AND ALCOHOL

This is the time when you can stop smoking and drinking as you are at home , not much work pressure and do some relaxation exercise.

EXERCISE

It has been scientifically proved that regular exercise and yoga helps improve fertility by balancing hormones and reducing stress.

MEDITATION

Meditation also has a role to improve fertility by reducing the stress and in releasing wellbeing hormones from the brains.

DIET

Nutritious diet rich in proteins , vitamins and minerals  act as antioxidants and improves fertility by improving sperms  and egg quality.

CREATIVE ACTIVITIES

Involving oneself in creative activities also breaks the chain thinking and worrying and thus improves disturbed hormones.

All the best for your future plans.

For any tele-consultation please call at (+91) 98186 80295 or Book your appointment by following link below:

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