Coronavirus and fertility – Separating fact from fiction

The news is full of information about the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), but many patients of Midwest Reproductive Center (MRC) still have questions. Our Kansas City fertility center team is carefully monitoring the latest facts from infectious disease experts. To help ease your mind during this stressful time, we’ve created a blog about COVID-19, including facts about the coronavirus and fertility. We also have information about coronavirus precautions.

A quick look at COVID-19

Many people are using the term “coronavirus.” However, coronavirus is a family of viral respiratory illnesses. The specific virus that everyone is talking about is COVID-19, which first presented in Wuhan, China in late 2019. As of today, the virus is in many countries around the globe, including the United States.

A fever, cough and shortness of breath are among the most common coronavirus symptoms. Most people experience mild symptoms and can recover at home. Some people may not even feel sick. In older adults and people with certain underlying conditions, the virus can cause pneumonia or death. However, this is unlikely to occur in young and healthy people.

Taking coronavirus precautions at MRC and in the community

Our Kansas City fertility center team has always been committed to patient safety, with rigorous cleaning and disease prevention measures. In response to COVID-19, we will be doing even more to protect your health and safety. This may include taking your temperature at each visit and asking about your travel. Additionally, we will regularly disinfect high-touch surfaces and provide hand sanitizer.

Because the virus spreads through close contact with a sick person who coughs or sneezes, experts recommend avoiding large indoor gatherings. You should also avoid contact with people who have a respiratory illness.

Other coronavirus precautions include the following:

• Wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.
• Avoid touching your face.
• Consider putting travel plans on hold.

These tips may sound simple, but they are the best ways to avoid the virus.

Information about coronavirus and fertility issues

Research has not shown a link between the coronavirus and fertility issues. However, our Kansas City fertility center team recommend the following precautions.

• Don’t travel to areas that are experiencing an outbreak if you are pregnant or want to conceive soon.
• Avoid conceiving if you have COVID-19. Instead, you can freeze your eggs or embryos for future use.

No published research shows how coronavirus affects pregnant women. However, a pregnant woman is often more susceptible to certain illnesses, so it pays to be safe. As for mother to infant disease transmission, a small study suggests that COVID-19 does not transfer this way, which provides some relief.

Contact us if you have coronavirus and fertility questions. Our team is here for you.