Corona Virus and Infertility- Frequently Asked Questions (PART-1)

First of all let me tell you all that Shantah Fertility Centre continues to follow the patient centered approach. We completely understand your concerns about getting pregnant that is why we have made so many changes in our clinical environment, the way we provide treatment and also how we interact with you and each other to make sure it's as safe as possible for you having your IVF treatment at Shantah Fertility Centre under the pragmatic approach of our clinic experts.

We at Shantah IVF Centre are reassuring that the clinic is dedicated fertility centre and not located in large hospital settings but in the safe and quiet surroundings. As we specialize in fertility treatment, the people we see are generally in good health. There are also fewer people on site and no visitors – all of this enables effective management. Our centre has ample parking space for visitors and a one-way system has been introduced through the buildings with hand hygiene stations throughout.

There are few frequently asked questions about the infertility treatment and Covid 19, so below we address all:

Q: IS SHANTAH FERTILITY CENTRE PREPARED TO MANAGE CARE FOR PATIENTS WITH THE RECENT RISK OF CORONAVIRUS/COVID-19?

A: Our staff members and doctors have the knowledge and training needed to safely care for patients while taking necessary precautions against the spread and transmission of COVID-19. At this time, we have taken measures to limit transmission by promoting hand hygiene and disinfecting protocols, inputting screening measures, modifying appointments and schedules, performing consults electronically when

indicated, and making adjustments to treatment cycles if deemed necessary.

Q: DO YOU CURRENTLY HAVE ANY PATIENTS WITH CORONA VIRUS AT YOUR CENTRE?

A: No, all our staff members are in perfect health. We will contact you if there is a need to cancel appointments, consultations, or surgeries due to concerns about COVID-19. Please contact your clinical team directly if you have questions.

Special precautions are in place for patients who display symptoms of illness while under our care. Shantah Fertility Centre follows all the Covid guidelines for the safety of our patients, visitors, and staff members.

Q: I THINK I HAVE CORONA VIRUS. CAN YOU TEST ME FOR IT?

A: No, we do not test patients for corona virus. Please contact your primary healthcare provider if you feel sick and have mild to severe respiratory illness with fever, cough, or difficulty breathing – especially if you have been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19 or if you have symptoms and have recently traveled to an area with ongoing spread of COVID-19.

Q: DO I/WE NEED TO WEAR MASKS?

A: Yes, The Government of India recommends that all individuals continue to wear a facemask when in public settings.

Q: HOW CAN I PROTECT MYSELF/MY FAMILY FROM CORONAVIRUS?

A: Please follow everyday preventative actions to prevent the spread of respiratory diseases like:

•     Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
•     Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
•     Cover your cough.
•     Cough into a tissue and then throw it away after use. If no tissues are available, cough into your elbow, not your hand.
•     Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.
•   Visit the https://www.covid19india.org/ website for more information about COVID-19 and prevention.

Q: WHAT SYMPTOMS INDICATE THAT I SHOULD SEE A HEALTHCARE PROVIDER?

A: Current symptoms that have been reported include mild to severe respiratory illness with fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. Call your primary healthcare provider if you feel sick with any of these symptoms and have been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19 or if you have recently traveled to an area with ongoing spread of COVID-19. Your healthcare provider will work with the state health department and to determine if you need to be tested.

Q: WHAT ARE SHANTAH FERTILITY CENTRE’S REQUIREMENTS WHEN VISITING AN OFFICE?

A:

• Patients must wear a face mask that covers their mouth and nose for all visits to our centre
• Valve Masks and Neck Gaiter Masks are NOT permitted in our centre. 
• One-way Valve masks, or masks with vents, are ineffective; it only protects the person wearing it, and not others- due to the valve.
• Patients may not be seen for any form of testing, treatment, or consult without having a face covering.
• Patients who are dropping off a semen specimen also require a face mask in order to enter at our centre.
• The face covering must be on before entering the building, before reaching the lobby.
• Patients must come unaccompanied to their appointment in order to limit the number of people in our space and best accommodate physical distancing.

Q: WHAT’S THE LATEST THAT WE KNOW ABOUT COVID-19’S EFFECT ON PREGNANCY?

A: There are current and published studies evaluating reproduction and pregnancy and the effects of COVID-19. More data will become available over time that can state more definitely the effect of the virus on mother and baby.

Some data show higher hospitalization rates for pregnant women with COVID but the morbidity and mortality are not higher. The current interpretation is that pregnant women are admitted earlier out of concern for the fetus and mother.

The majority of data indicate that the virus is not transmitted from mother to fetus in utero. While there’s no way to have 100% certainty that risks can be mitigated, overall the data are reassuring.

Q: SHOULD I AVOID A PREGNANCY AT THIS TIME?

A: There are no national or international organizations who are saying it is unsafe to become pregnant at this time. This is in contrast to Zika or Rubella/German measles, for example, where abstaining from pregnancy was a recommendation at one time.

Q: WILL MY FERTILITY TREATMENT OUTCOMES BE ADVERSELY AFFECTED IF I CONTRACT COVID-19?

A: We have no reason to believe COVID-19 will adversely affect the outcome of your fertility treatment. With that being said, women still wonder, to what lengths should I go to start or continue fertility treatment? The answer is, infertility is a disease, and for many couples, it is time sensitive. As we see every day, our patients’ suffering is acute and real. Having children is fundamental to humanity.

We do not recommend a delay in most cases and recommend a risk-benefit analysis discussion between patients and their physicians.   With caution and safety measures in place, we feel it’s appropriate to move forward with fertility treatment at this time, if that is what your physician advises.

Q: DOES COVID-19 AFFECT MALE FERTILITY?

A: A recent study done by the scientists of Israel says that covid-19 can cause male infertility by harming the testicular cells which produces sperms thereby making it difficult to make the female pregnant.   The study is published in the journal of Fertility and Sterility and the scientists also claimed that studied men had a reduction of around 50% on average of the number of sperm per milliliter, total volume of ejaculate, and motility of sperm. Any viral infection but just COVID can lead to high grade fever and decrease in sperm count and motility at least temporarily. It’s too early to suggest anything for COVID as semen changes can take up to 3-4 months post infection and numbers are too low at present but it could potentially cause harm and any sort of illness fever can reduce sperm count and motility and this may hold for corona virus as well.

Read Here: Corona and Male infertility

Full range of fertility treatments now available

We have started our full fledged treatments. Although initial priority had been given to patients whose treatment was cancelled or suspended due to the corona virus, the clinics are now offering the full range of fertility treatments, for example IVF, IUI, Egg collection etc has restarted.

If you would like to start your fertility journey with Shantah IVF Centre then do call us on +91 11 41040956 or +91 9958466687 and you can also connect with us through our Facebook page and we will be in touch to arrange a consultation.