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As you know, COVID-19 is an evolving, ever-changing global public health issue. Our local county health departments along with the Oregon Health Authority and the Washington State Department of Health are actively involved in monitoring, providing recommendations and issuing guidelines. We are also following all state and federal guidelines and recommendations put forth by American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM). The latest guidance from ARSM calls for suspension of most fertility treatments at this time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Currently, little is known about the impact of COVID-19 coronavirus on reproduction and pregnancy. The American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) recently came out with recommendations on how fertility patients and providers should proceed with treatment.
Here are 7 common questions we have received from concerned patients.
What should patients do that are currently undergoing active fertility treatments?
Right now, it is recommended that patients suspend any new, non-urgent treatments. In addition, we are encouraging patients to strongly consider the cancellation of all embryo transfers, whether fresh or frozen. There are many uncertainties surrounding the current pandemic, so the best course of action is to initiate a discussion with your physician. They will be up to date on the latest recommendations and guidelines.
What if I am in the middle of an IVF cycle?
Most fertility clinics will continue caring for patients who are currently “in cycle” or who require urgent medical attention. What we are asking is that patients understand the need for suspending elective surgeries and non-urgent procedures.
What if you or someone in your family gets diagnosed with COVID-19 while you’re in the middle of a round of IVF or other fertility treatment?
If a patient is diagnosed with COVID-19, the current advice is to stop treatment at that time. If you have been exposed and are showing symptoms of a COVID-19 infection, you most likely will not be able to continue treatment. Your provider will help guide you.
Should patients move up their fertility treatment if they are worried about contracting COVID-19?
No. It would be prudent to wait until further information is available, as well as testing for the COVID-19 coronavirus.
Can COVID-19 cause infertility in men or women?
We have no reason to believe that the COVID-19 coronavirus will lead to future fertility problems for either men or women.
If a patient gets pregnant, and then tests positive, would their baby be harmed by COVID-19?
As the COVID-19 coronavirus is a new infection, we currently have very limited information. Pregnant women do not appear to be at increased risk for developing COVID-19. As with most respiratory infections, women who are pregnant may have a more severe course. We do not know at this time what, if any, risks are posed to the infants of pregnant women with COVID-19. The initial reports we have are reassuring. Healthy, uninfected children have been delivered to women with the COVID-19 infection. Pregnant women should follow all public health advisories and practice social distancing.
Should egg donors and sperm donors continue to donate?
It is unknown if the COVID-19 coronavirus is transmitted in either eggs or sperm (gametes). If we look to the SARS and MERS epidemics, transmission of the coronavirus to gametes in these infections was not seen. Prospective COVID-19 testing for a potential donor is currently not available. Given the current ASRM guidelines, it would be best to delay donation at this time.
Join A Free Webinar
In light of the COVID-19 global pandemic, we have transitioned all of our live in-person seminars, to webinars. Please tune in to learn more about growing your family through fertility treatment from the comfort of your own home.
Quarantine Care
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Reading
Check out some of these blog posts that may be helpful in preparing for or during your journey.
10 Ways to Optimize Your Lifestyle for Fertility
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Can Vitamin D Influence Fertility?
By Dr. Carmelo Sgarlata, a board-certified reproductive endocrinologist with extensive experience in the field of in vitro fertilization and integrative medicine and head of ORM’s…
How to Prepare For Pregnancy
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