In the course of three months, the novel coronavirus COVID-19 has spread out over the world and been recently declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO), now you may wonder if the infection would have an impact on your fertility.

While the virus can infect anyone in close contact with an infected person, its fatality rate is comparatively low. In many cases, infected patients can get recovered on their own, however, some segments of the world’s population are at higher risk of developing severe complications. These include children aged younger than 10 years old, elderly adults over 60 years old, and pregnant women. These segments tend to have lesser immunity. When the body is not strong enough to fight off the virus, the infection can progress and spread rapidly inside the body.

Although COVID-19, as a respiratory illness, is unlikely to harm fertility, you and your partner might still worry whether the virus will cause or complicate any processes towards becoming parents. Here, we are going to clarify a few uncertainties that you may have at this moment when the world still has no clear answers.

Q: Does COVID-19 infection cause fertility problems in me or my partner?

A: Currently no evidence.

The studies of the impact of COVID-19 on fertility are currently in process. Researchers are trying to understand if getting infected by this novel coronavirus will affect or hamper chances of and success in conception in women and men. 

However, there is no current evidence suggesting that the COVID-19 infection causes fertility problems.

Q: Is it a good idea to try to conceive during this outbreak?

A: Yes, but there is a concern to bear in mind.

Couples are trying to conceive every day (you know it is not that easy to get pregnant!) and still doing so during this time. There is absolutely nothing wrong with it! 

The only concern is that the healthcare system in many countries (including ours) is currently super busy with a large number of COVID-19 cases, so the medical care that you may need for your fertility and will need during the first trimester of your pregnancy might be hard to get.

If you and your partner are comfortable to put off your plan for a few months until the outbreak is more under control, it will be better for the conception.

Q: Should I visit a fertility clinic while COVID-19 is still going on?

A: You should consider doing so via online service or phone call.

If you and your partner would like to explore in detail about some fertility treatments, a fertility clinic is worth your visit. However, during this outbreak of COVID-19 that is passed on in close contact among people, it may be a good idea to limit your travels out of home until the situation is resolved. 

Since fertility treatments take a lot of processes after a decision is made, if you only need some questions answered – it is highly recommended to hold your clinic visiting. If the clinic you have been looking at offers an online service or phone call, it is a better way to reach out during this time.

Q: Is it safe to undergo any fertility-related procedures right now?

A: No, if you have not yet begun one.

Any fertility-related procedures, unless you are in the middle of a treatment, are considered as elective. 

Every elective procedure has been advised by the government of most nations to be postponed amid this outbreak to reduce the risk of cross-infections among the community at large. So if you have not begun any procedures, it is better to put your plan on hold.

However, if you have been undergoing any procedures, please contact your fertility expert and clinic for accurate advice. Keep in mind the health and safety of you and your family.

Don’t panic and stay calm, stress harms your fertility!

Among many things that can impact your chances of conception, stress is one major factor. While this COVID-19 is the world’s most concern at the moment, you don’t necessarily have to panic. Stress can impact your fertility and may result in a pregnancy with complications. The best way for you to do something about your fertility during this time is to take very good care of your health: having healthy food, drinking enough water, getting some workouts, and making sure you get enough sleep – as well as avoiding putting yourself at risk of getting infected by the virus.

In the meantime, try Yesmom’s fertility test and profiling. We provide an in-depth analysis of your test results and how you must interpret them to understand your fertility and its impact on your overall health.