Replacing fear with facts about coronavirus and fertility

All the news and conflicting information about coronavirus is enough to make anyone feel nervous. While the situation is still rapidly changing, The Fertility Center of Las Vegas (FCLV) has been carefully following these developments. Our Las Vegas fertility center has collected some information about coronavirus and fertility, including coronavirus precautions, to help ease your mind with what we know.

What is coronavirus?

Coronaviruses are a family of viruses that can cause respiratory illness. In late 2019, a new virus (COVID-19) appeared in Wuhan, China. Since then, it has spread to other countries, including the United States.

Fever, cough and shortness of breath are among the most common symptoms. Some people may have mild symptoms or not experience any at all. However, the virus can cause pneumonia, respiratory failure and death in rare cases.

Because the virus spreads through close personal contact, an infected person can transmit it to others when he or she coughs or sneezes. As a result, one of the best coronavirus precautions is to avoid close contact with people who have signs of a respiratory illness. Avoiding large gatherings of people is another great way to protect yourself.

Our Las Vegas fertility center team also recommends the following precautions:

• Avoid touching your nose, mouth and eyes if you haven’t washed your hands.
• Disinfect surfaces that people often touch.
• Wash your hands thoroughly for 20 seconds.

Although you may be tired of hearing basic advice, such as “wash your hands,” it is the best way to keep yourself safe from coronavirus.

Answering the biggest questions about coronavirus and fertility

The first question on our patients’ minds is often, “Does coronavirus affect fertility?” Researchers have not been able to do any studies about coronavirus and fertility, but no existing evidence suggests a link between the virus and infertility. Even so, our Las Vegas fertility center is taking the following precautions:

• Patients who are pregnant or who want to attempt pregnancy soon should avoid travel to areas with known infections.
• Additionally, fertility patients who have the coronavirus should avoid conceiving out of an abundance of caution. They should freeze their eggs, sperm or embryos and only undergo an embryo transfer when they are healthy again.
• For Out of Town/International patients – be sure to keep updated on current travel restrictions.  If you are an international intended parent or a US resident using a Gestational Carrier in another state, we strongly suggest contacting your professional team (agency, legal professional and clinician) to obtain a travel waiver or develop a contingency plan in the event you are not able travel to the US at the time of delivery.

What do pregnant women need to know about coronavirus?

Our Las Vegas fertility center team knows that women who are pregnant also have questions about coronavirus. Right now, we do not have published reports about whether pregnant women are more susceptible to the virus. However, the bodily changes that women experience during pregnancy may increase their susceptibility of becoming ill. As such, it’s especially important to take coronavirus precautions.

Women also want to know whether the virus could cause pregnancy loss or birth defects. Right now, we don’t have enough evidence to know for certain. Although a small study does suggest that the virus does not pass from mother to child during pregnancy.

If you have other questions about coronavirus and fertility, or would like updated information, contact us to learn more. Our team is happy to give you the information you need to put your mind at ease.