Advance fertility treatment in the next normal ERA
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has led to significant challenges in fertility treatment, including ovarian stimulation, intrauterine insemination (IUI), and other assisted reproductive technologies such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), and preimplantation genetic testing (PGT).
Therefore, being pregnant during these difficult times could be extremely stressful for you and your loved ones. Let’s take a look at some useful advice on how to have a safe and healthy pregnancy during the pandemic.
If I contact Covid -19 during pregnancy, will it affect the baby?
Since COVID-19 is a new strain of coronavirus that was only detected two years ago, there is not enough evidence to determine whether the virus can have long-term effects on the baby. However, based on the current research data, COVID-19 has no effects on the fetus and cannot be transmitted from a mother to the fetus. Recent studies also suggest that vaccine-generated antibodies from a mother can pass through the placenta to the fetus and provide immune protection against COVID-19, although it is unknown how long this protection lasts.
How to prepare for fertility treatment?
Patients should be mentally and physically prepared before undergoing fertility treatment. It is essential to maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle to boost the immune system, which can be achieved by eating foods that are rich in vitamins C and D, drinking at least 2 liters of water a day, getting at least 8 hours of sleep, and engaging in regular physical activity. Likewise, frequent handwashing and keeping a social distance of 1.5–2 meters.
What would be the best time to get vaccination before undergoing fertility treatment?
It is recommended that patients receive at least two doses of COVID-19 vaccine prior to the treatment. Patients who have received vaccine can start the treatment immediately after vaccination, and there are no signs of side effects from the vaccine, such as fever, nausea, and muscle pain.
Will it be different from the treatment before the pandemic?
The treatment will be the same as it was before the COVID-19 pandemic. However, we have increased our cleaning and disinfection measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and safeguard the safety of our patients and medical staff. We will periodically provide consultation and advice on safety precautions to deliver the best treatment outcome in the safest manner.
Can I still receive fertility consultation at the hospital?
We provide fertility consultation and treatments as usual but under stringent preventive and precautionary measures against COVID-19. Patients who feel uncomfortable visiting the hospital during this time can consult with our fertility specialists via email or LINE application to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Will the treatment be suspended in the event of national lockdown?
In the event of a lockdown in Bangkok, Jetanin Hospital will continue to provide treatment as usual. All doctors’ appointments and treatment plans will not be affected by the lockdown.
If a patient infected with the virus during ovarian stimulation and before egg retrieval, the patient will be advised to temporarily suspend the treatment in order to get treated for COVID-19. The treatment can be resumed once the patient tests negative after 28 days of infected with the virus. The COVID-19 infection has no effects on the quality of eggs, semen, and embryo during ovarian stimulation and embryo transfer.