Covid-19 Reproductive Effect and Approach to IVF Treatment in the Pandemic

I would like to share with you an article published in J.Endocrionol Invest by Dr.Paoli and colleagues of the doctor regarding the Sars-Cov2 epidemic that emerged in Wuhan and infected approximately one million people worldwide. In this study, when urine and sperm analysis were performed eight days after the diagnosis of infection from a 31-year-old male patient whose infection was proven in throat cultures, and when these samples were evaluated by the PCR system whether they carried viral genes, an interesting result was encountered. No viral RNA was observed in semen and urine samples. It was thought that this situation might be caused by viral kinetic structures. However, such information may increase the safety margin of the possible treatment if the patients benefit from assisted reproductive techniques without being aware of it. When Sars Cov-2 Viral RNA was performed in the vaginal fluids of patients hospitalized in the intensive care unit, the viral load could not be detected in all fluids. Data from this study are shared on Clin Infect Dis. This has been a very reliable study for us. Because, even if they do not have a clinic, it is data that provides support in terms of the safety of patients in IVF treatments applied to patients who apply asymptomatically.

However, in terms of sperm, especially high fever can be considered as a very important threat to sperm production. While the testicles are normally around 3-4 degrees lower than body temperature, the increase in temperature disrupts sperm production. This is not only in covid, but also when fever occurs for other reasons, sperm quality may deteriorate when exposed to heat for a long time. However, viruses can reproduce inside the cell. Therefore, the covid virus itself can negatively affect sperm production.

Couples who want to have a baby should pay extra attention to the covid virus. They should protect themselves by staying away from countries and provinces where the Covid virus is common. It is in your hands to protect yourself from the covid-19 virus, which has an effect on egg reserve and sperm quality.

It is not only life-threatening but also can cause us to have long-term infertility, that is, not to have a baby for a long time. It has been confirmed by specialist physicians that it impairs reproductive functions.

Covid-19 is also a serious condition that can be considered as a factor in increasing infertility by impairing reproductive functions. It is known to affect sperm quality in men and reduce ovulation in women.

Should IVF Treatment Be Started During the Covid-19 Epidemic? Or should it continue?

At the beginning of the covid-19 pandemic, which has been affecting the whole world for months, unfortunately, it also affected the baby dreams of parents-to-be. In vitro fertilization centers remained closed for a while, but then, with the approval of the Ministry of Health, acceptance of IVF treatment was resumed. Couples had to postpone their treatment during the epidemic period, and many couples decided to postpone their IVF treatments for a while because of their own health concerns. In fact, IVF treatment is such a period that every month, every new cycle, perhaps every week, every day is very important. Are there days we lost while procrastinating? Even if there is no covid-19, we always evaluate our couples in terms of other infectious diseases and always support and approach carefully to take the necessary precautions. Of course, it is also necessary to consider the sensitivity of covid-19. We continue the treatment of our patients by paying attention to all hygiene rules, the rules within the scope of covid-19. In doubtful cases, decisions are made by necessary evaluations being made. I would like to underline that we cancel the patient’s treatment by requesting a PCR test from each patient before the procedure and if it is positive. In addition, the continuous ventilation of the room, the less frequent harvesting in the operating rooms, the precautions of the personnel are among the vital points that are highly paid attention in this period.

During the treatment, the entire IVF team serves the patient with masks and gloves, and special hygiene rules are applied in the clinics, and patients are rarely admitted.

What should couples pay attention to during the Covid-19 period?

Alcohol and smoking should be stopped in IVF treatment. Since the use of caffeine will reduce the chance of success, the consumption of products such as tea, coffee, cola should be limited.

Folic acid is a B group vitamin and is responsible for the healthy development of the baby’s spinal cord and brain structure. Especially during this period, vitamin support is highly important.

IVF couples can be given vitamin D support. It can also be supplemented with vitamin C.

Quality sleep patterns should be provided and melatonin secretion should be supported.

Life must be turned into routine life. Life standards should be improved. Communication with people should definitely be limited. Maybe socializing should be suspended for a while. The IVF couple should be warned about the use of masks and the care and importance of using masks.

• Ambulance Services
• Outdoor Checkup – $85
• Emergency Care – $120
• Operation Theater
• Blood Test – $10

• Hematology – $105
• Dental – $85
• Neurology – $120
• Cardiology – $260
• Orthopedics – $10

• Colonoscopy – $105
• Ultrasonography – $85
• X-ray – $120
• Electrocardiography
• Sigmoidoscopy – $10