While “social distancing” constraints are gradually being relaxed, many people have remaining questions about what activities they should or should not engage in to help “flatten the curve.” As the Dayton, OH area’s premier fertility experts, we are frequently asked if it is safe to start or resume fertility treatments during these unusual and challenging times.
In this article, the experienced fertility team at SpringCreek Fertility Clinic in Dayton, OH answers patients’ questions about whether to move forward with fertility treatment, and how the coronavirus may affect their family-building plans. In answering these common questions, we have incorporated the currently available data and national recommendations regarding coronavirus, infertility treatment, and pregnancy.
What are the emotional implications of coronavirus on infertility?
Infertility is a deeply personal medical issue that can lead to feelings of loss, grief, isolation, and sadly even embarrassment or lowered self-esteem. Now, with the stress of the coronavirus pandemic placed on top of these feelings, those struggling with infertility may also be experiencing increased anxiety, feelings of helplessness, and uncertainty or trepidation about the future.
The team of expert infertility medical professionals at SpringCreek Fertility Clinic in Dayton, OH is by your side to help you navigate the current uncertainty and remain flexible to adapt to this new situation – You do not have to give up your dreams of building a family.
We are back to our normal infertility treatment operations at SpringCreek Fertility Clinic in Dayton, OH. All consultations are being conducted via telemedicine to promote social distancing (and many patients have found it accommodating of their new work schedules!). All other treatments have resumed in-person.
Are there increased risks of birth defects with coronavirus?
No data is available that suggests any increased risk of birth defects in a baby born to a mother who is or was infected with coronavirus during pregnancy. This is particularly encouraging, since some other viral infections – including varicella, rubella, and Zika virus – did increase risk of birth defects. More studies on this are anticipated and needed.
In their June 8th report, the American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) stated that “full term newborns delivered from mothers with active COVID-19 infections have done well overall (Shalish et al, 2020).”
Is mother-to-fetus transmission of coronavirus infection possible?
There is also no data currently available to suggest that coronavirus is passed from a mother to her fetus. Again, because the virus is so new, more studies will reveal better information.
However, the American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) reported on June 8, 2020 that “a case series of 9 women affected with COVID-19 that delivered via cesarean section showed no viral RNA in the amniotic fluid, cord blood, or breastmilk (Chen et al, 2020).”
Who makes the national recommendations for fertility treatments during coronavirus pandemic?
The American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) is the national organization responsible for guiding the scientific handling of the infertility problems, including research, the improvement of methods of diagnosis and treatment, and published guidance for fertility specialists. SpringCreek Fertility Clinic in Dayton, OH relies on both the ASRM’s data and recommendations, as well as those of the CDC, in treating patients during the coronavirus pandemic.
What are the current national recommendations for fertility treatments during coronavirus pandemic?
The ASRM has been regularly updating guidelines for fertility healthcare, with the last update being released June 8, 2020. A new update is expected to be released July 6, 2020. Currently, the ASRM supports fertility providers are “gradually and judiciously resuming the delivery of reproductive care” during the coronavirus pandemic.
That report went into detail regarding when patients should be tested for Covid-19, as well as what Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) should be worn by patients and medical staff at fertility clinics. As one of the nation’s premier and most respected provider of fertility treatments, SpringCreek Fertility Clinic in Dayton, OH strictly follows the national ASRM guidelines to ensure the safety of all parties during the coronavirus pandemic.
You can see SpringCreek’s coronavirus policies HERE.
You can also see all ASRM coronavirus guidelines HERE.
Can my partner be present during my fertility treatments during the coronavirus pandemic?
While recognizing the psychological and emotional benefits of having a partner present during fertility treatment, the ASRM guidelines state that, ideally, only the person undergoing the procedure should be present. Those guidelines encourage alternative methods for partner participation, such as phone or video.
Currently visitors and partners will only be allowed to attend appointments at SpringCreek for: Consent Signing, OB, Retrieval, and Hysteroscopes; however, we will take every step to help facilitate your partner’s or family’s involvement in other ways.
What other precautions are being recommended to fertility patients during the coronavirus pandemic?
Patients undergoing fertility treatments are advised to avoid the use of public transportation, when feasible, including air, bus, or train travel. For urgent travel, patients are counseled to be aware of the rates of new infections at their destination location.
Additionally, self-quarantining is a strategy that is recommended to be continued to the extent possible during receipt of fertility treatments.
Fertility Treatment During Coronavirus Pandemic – Dayton, OH
During the coronavirus pandemic, and always, SpringCreek Fertility Clinic in Dayton, OH is committed to supporting our professional associations, our staff, our local community, and especially our fertility patients.
As of May 1st, 2020, we have resumed our operations and services. To ensure the ongoing safety of our patients, we will continue to implement protocols that adhere to the highest standards of care and safety.
While the current coronavirus pandemic has interrupted many aspects of normal daily life, COVID-19 does not have to derail your plans to build a family. Contact SpringCreek Fertility Clinic in Dayton, OH today, for the most advanced and safest fertility treatments during the coronavirus pandemic and always.
