In the midst of the crisis that the world is currently experiencing due to COVID-19, uncertainty and fear have become the most common feelings among a society that dreams of returning to normality, but feels afraid of not knowing what will happen and if it is safe.
Much has been said about the biology, transmission and severity of the disease, however, little has been said about the effects for those couples who for years have faced fear, resilience, have challenged their faith and have fought for their dreams overcoming infertility diagnoses.
With this in mind, at InSer, based on the scientific evidence that currently exists, we share some data on the effects of the virus on pregnant women and couples in the midst of fertility treatments:
To any kind of risk to pregnant women and their babies?
Currently, the evidence on the effects of the virus on early pregnancy is limited because it is a young disease and to date no cases have been reported in this type of population. Taking into account the above, it is understood that there is no vertical transmission of the disease (intrauterine transmission or during childbirth) nor is there any relationship with the transmission of the virus by the excretion of breast milk.
Despite the little current evidence regarding the impact of COVID-19 on pregnant women, it is important to keep in mind that, at other times in history, human beings have faced other types of coronaviruses that cause serious diseases such as SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) and MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome). which have affected the pregnant population and have had a fatal effect of 25 and 23% respectively.
So far, SARS CoV-2 (COVID-19) has been shown to behave more benignly than these, with no recorded maternal deaths, no teratogenic effects, and no effects on fetal growth and development. However, it is too early and the behavior should be analyzed as studies are carried out to show the situation in this population.
What are the precautions that a pregnant woman should take?
To date, there is no evidence to indicate that SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) has a more aggressive behavior in pregnant patients. However, we know that pregnancy as such involves changes in lung and airway functioning that put the pregnant woman at a certain disadvantage to defend herself from an aggression such as COVID-19. For this reason, we must consider that pregnant women are a population group at greater risk and require special care and protection.
All people who have contact with pregnant patients should be aware of this and take extreme protection measures that have been recommended to us so much in the official communications of government entities. There are no additional measures specifically focused on the pregnant population.
What are the risks for women who are in the midst of fertility treatment?
The situation for patients who are in the middle of fertility treatments is that to date there is no scientific evidence that provides information about the behavior of the virus in pregnancy, and although it is believed that the virus cannot cross the placenta or infect babies, it is not something that has been proven for sure.
Therefore, it is important that the specialist individually reviews each case to define which is the best path, guaranteeing the safety of the mother or the future baby.
In view of the situation, what is recommended by the Fertility Associations in the world (American Society for Reproductive Medicine – ASRM, European Society of Reproduction and Human Embryology – ESHRE and Colombian Association of Human Reproduction Centers – ACCERH ) is, as far as possible, to suspend or postpone the reproductive search until the pandemic is controlled and it is safe to perform procedures.
If treatment has already started, how far is it recommended to go?
In cases where treatment has been initiated, in a responsible and concerted manner, taking into account all the arguments that the treating specialist may present, a decision will be made as to the next step.
It is recommended to suspend the process at some point where it is safe, which could vary between the stage of ovarian stimulation and extraction of the oocytes in the In Vitro Fertilization scenario. This taking into account the prevention recommendations that government entities have imposed with isolation and quarantine in Colombia.
Are there any risks to cryopreserved embryos or gametes?
For several years, the techniques of cryopreservation of eggs or sperm, as well as that of embryos in their initial stages of development, are procedures that are performed under all the necessary and safe protocols to guarantee the survival of these gametes. Therefore, although this procedure represents a challenge for the cells, the success and survival rates are between 90%, which allows treatments that have been suspended at this stage to be successful when they are resumed and the transfer process is completed.
It is important to keep in mind that there are studies that show that cryopreserved embryo transfer can be even better than fresh embryo transfer.
Does the Coronavirus have any effect on fertility?
So far there is no evidence that COVID-19 has a direct impact on fertility, however, like most infections that produce fever, general alteration and inflammatory reactions in the body, it could be said that the coronavirus triggers a transitory state of inflammation in the body that causes a slight decrease in reproductive potential. which will be quickly overcome when the body fights the virus and manages to regulate and recover.
Is a virtual fertility consultation effective in reaching a comprehensive diagnosis?
Starting the search for a pregnancy with the support of a specialist in human reproduction is a step by step that consists of different processes that will allow you to reach a comprehensive diagnosis of the patient, to later define the path to follow.
With this in mind, the virtual first-time consultation is an opportunity to take the first step and start the diagnostic process. In this space, you will be able to meet the treating doctor, socialize the current situation of the couple to start a medical history, define or review medical exams or procedures, and trace the step to follow as soon as the COVID-19 situation is controlled (fertility treatments).
It is important that you keep in mind that the virtual fertility consultation also includes a second meeting with the specialist to review exams (virtual or face-to-face depending on the case) and the possibility of scheduling a virtual emotional accompaniment appointment with our psychology area. This will allow you to have all the guarantees that your process will be adequate and that regardless of the methodology (virtual or face-to-face) we will comply with everything that is required for a comprehensive diagnosis and management of the situation.
The most important thing is to take the first step and start knowing what your diagnosis is to chart the path forward.
If I am a patient, can I schedule an emotional support consultation virtually?
Yes, our emotional accompaniment area is willing to provide you with all the support you require during this time of uncertainty and fear. Do not hesitate to contact us to schedule your virtual psychology consultation.
At INSER our greatest responsibility is to take care of the health and well-being of our patients and work team, that is why we have decided to fully adhere to the COVID-19 prevention measures recommended by the National Ministry of Health and fertility associations in the world (American Society for Reproductive Medicine – ASRM, European Society of Reproduction and Human Embryology – ESHRE and Colombian Association of Human Reproduction Centers – ACCERH).
To learn more about our measures click here
