The news about coronavirus is affecting every aspect of our lives and fertility is no different. For those currently on their journey to conceiving this pandemic brings up many questions. While the strain is too new to have complete scientific studies on the relationship between the infection and fertility, there are some basics to keep in mind depending on where in your journey you are.
Avoid Getting sick
There is no information on how this new strand of the virus will affect those that are pregnant, trying to get pregnant or undergoing fertility treatments so the best thing you can do is take every step you can to not get sick. Following and regularly checking on Centers for Disease Control recommendations is the best course of action to avoid getting sick and reducing the risk of spreading the disease.
Current recommendations include:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, but especially after being in a public space, blowing your nose, sneezing, or coughing
- Avoid touching your face and if you do wash your hands immediately
- Practice social distancing in public spaces staying at least 3 feet apart if the disease has been diagnosed in your community
- Stay at home as much as possible to avoid contact with those who may not know they are sick
- Follow normal cold and flu guidelines including covering your mouth and nose when sneezing and coughing
- Clean and disinfect areas of the house that are touched often including door knobs, countertops, phones, keyboards, and bathroom surfaces
Should we keep trying?
While there isn’t information from studies specific to this coronavirus strand the virus is part of a larger family of conditions that have been studied. Using these other similar conditions as guidance it is recommended those who have COVID-19 or have possibly been exposed to it avoid getting pregnant. According to ASRM they recommend patients currently undergoing fertility treatments “consider freezing all oocytes or embryos and avoid an embryo transfer”
If you are symptom-free and trying to conceive naturally, there is no indication that you need to stop trying, especially if your ovarian reserve is diminishing and you can’t pause TTC for the next couple of months. If you feel healthy, you can continue to follow your fertility schedule.
Should you or your partner begin to show symptoms of respiratory illness including fever, coughs, or shortness of breath you most likely won’t feel like continuing to try conceiving and it is best if you discontinue efforts to get pregnant until the pandemic is over.
The Mira Fertility Tracker helps you to track ovulation at home, giving you the same numeric results of hormone concentrations as in a lab test. Mira works not only for those with PCOS but also for those with irregular cycles and helps to identify ovulation while breastfeeding before your period returns.
It Is Safe To Use The Mira Fertility Tracker:
- The Mira Analyzer is charged by a mini USB cable so you do not need to worry about going to the store to buy batteries.
- Mira test wands are individually wrapped to ensure their safety.
- We do our best to ship all orders ASAP.
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Check with your doctor
Before you make a decision on your next step (other than not getting sick) you should check with your fertility doctor. Medical facilities are taking special precautions and your specific facility will be able to give you the best advice for your situation.
As of March 18 The American Society of Reproductive Medicine is recommending doctors hold off on all non-urgent treatments and elective procedures including in vitro fertilization and intrauterine inseminations. It is also recommended that appointments take place virtually versus in-person when possible.
For those who are currently in-cycle or require urgent stimulation and cryopreservation, the recommendations from ASRM call for continuing treatment. For those that need medically urgent gamete preservation treatment those can be continued. Discussing your specific situation with your doctor will tell you where your treatment fits within these guidelines.
If you are continuing treatment and must go into your reproductive specialist’s office make sure they are following the ASRM guidelines for the safety of all patients. Since this is an ever changing situation it is best to check with your doctor before changing or making plans.
Use the time
This is a difficult time for everyone and is made even harder for those who might have to put their fertility plans on hold. This is a stressful time and as we know stress can negatively affect fertility. Instead of giving into stress and viewing this time as a cancellation of your plans consider using this time as a chance to get physically and mentally ready for when treatment begins again.
Work on reducing stress, eating healthy, getting active, and being well rested. Ferticalm and Fertistrong are great resources during this difficult time to provide some emotional support. Find online support groups for those going through fertility treatments and trying to conceive and follow fertility blogs and sites for inspiration on healthy eating, stress reduction, and other important updates during this time.
With the right precautions, staying up-to-date on current recommendations, and a little patience your fertility journey shouldn’t be affected by the Coronavirus pandemic.
If you want to learn more about COVID-19, TTC & Pregnancy, listen to Beat Infertility Podcast which is sponsored by Mira with Dr. Allison Rodgers, who is a board-certified doctor in both Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility and has been practicing medicine since 2004. Dr. Rodgers currently practices at the Fertility Centers of Illinois.
