12 Mar Coronavirus and assisted reproduction treatments

 
By Reproclinic Editorial Committee
 
The recent news and measures adopted by the Government to prevent the spread of the Covid-19 outbreak, as well as the notable increase in the number of affected patients, are raising many doubts about the possible consequences that the coronavirus can have on patients who are starting assisted reproduction treatment and even on women who have already achieved pregnancy.

Given this new situation and the uncertainty that exists in this regard, we understand that many questions may have arisen. We want to help you by clearing up some doubts from a scientific point of view:

• The articles published, and the cases studied show that there is no vertical transmission of COVID-19 from pregnant women to foetuses, and pregnancy development will thus be the natural one.

• Neither gestation prognosis, nor patients’, was worse compared to non-pregnant infected women, therefore, there is no increased risk of infection for pregnant women or the ones undergoing assisted reproduction treatments.

• To date, there is no evidence of transmission through assisted reproduction treatments. In addition, there is a detailed protocol drawn up by Health Authorities with the measures to be followed to guarantee patients’ health.

Below is a short list with answers to the questions you may have if you are undergoing assisted reproduction treatment at Fertty.
 

Is it convenient to stop the treatment?

To date, no studies have been published that indicates so. Therefore, along with the measures taken, we can continue with the normal course of treatment.

Is there a greater risk of contagion if I am pregnant?

No, to date there is no evidence to suggest that pregnant women are at greater risk of infection, and the same applies to the transmission of the disease to the foetus.

How can I prevent the spread of coronavirus if I am pregnant or being treated?

In this sense, and as a conclusion of the above, the measures that must be adopted to avoid the contagion must follow the same preventive guidelines that the health authorities have elaborated for any person, whether pregnant or not, even in treatment:

• Wash your hands frequently, especially when you go out and when you come back home.

• If you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth and nose with the inside bend of the elbow or with a tissue.

• Avoid contact with other people and notify the Health Authorities if you suspect you are infected with the virus, avoiding going to health centres.

What specific measures has taken Fertty as a private health centre?

On-site visits to the clinic:

• Before patients come to the centre they will be given a questionnaire, established by the health department, to determine if they are patients with a potential risk of coronavirus infection: if they have travelled to countries or areas at risk, if they present any respiratory symptoms, fever or cough and if they have been in contact with someone who has been tested positive for coronavirus. The purpose is to be able to detect possible sources of infection and avoid their displacement. In these cases, an on-line medical visit will be offered.

• If a patient with respiratory symptoms comes to the centre, a mask will be provided from reception, a waiting room will be assigned away from the rest of the patients and a 2mt-distance will be maintained with the patient.

• Gel dispensers are available at the reception and in all waiting rooms. Any patient must wash his hands with the disinfectant gel provided at reception when entering the clinic.

• Before the consultation, all contact surfaces are cleaned with disinfectant material and both the patient and the health staff wash their hands with disinfectant gel.

Medical and patient care staff:

• Refrain from coming to the workplace if suffering from any fever or respiratory symptoms.

• Continuous hand washing (soap and water or gel) of all staff before and after each consultation.

• Avoid touching your face with your hands.

• Cover your mouth with your forearm If you cough, while walking away from any surface or any other person, and then immediately wash your hands.

• Continuous washing of all types of surfaces used by many people (telephones, reception desks or other common surfaces).