We appreciate that this is a confusing time and we get many questions about the impact of COVID on fertility treatment, so here are some answers to frequently asked questions and a guide to how we’re keeping you safe.
We appreciate that this is a confusing time and we get many questions about the impact of COVID on fertility treatment, so here are some answers to frequently asked questions and a guide to how we’re keeping you safe.
Like many areas of medicine, fertility treatment was significantly impacted by the COVID pandemic. Currently, Aria Fertility Clinic is fully open, with treatments continuing as usual. We have answered some of our most frequently asked questions on the impact of COVID, particularly in relation to the vaccine, but if you require further information, please get in touch.
What is the advice about COVID infection and fertility treatment?
If you are trying to get pregnant, there is currently no medical reason why you should consider delaying during the COVID pandemic. Furthermore, being pregnant does not increase the chances of you contracting the COVID infection.
Will I be tested for COVID-19 prior to embarking on fertility treatment?
We will ask you to complete a COVID-19 declaration before starting your treatment to provide added reassurance to us that you will continue to follow all current government guidelines and inform us if you develop any symptoms which may indicate a COVID infection.
What if I test positive for COVID-19 during any fertility treatment?
In accordance with current government advice, patients must self-isolate for 10 days after a positive COVID-19 test. If you are have started an IVF treatment and not yet had your eggs collected you will need to stop your treatment. If your eggs have already been collected we can freeze your eggs or embryos and these will be transferred back to you in a future cycle once you have recovered from the COVID infection.
Guidance from the Joint UK Blood Transfusion and Tissue Transplantation Services Professional Advisory Committee (JPAC) is if you are planning on donating your eggs or sperm you will need to wait 28 days after recovery from a COVID infection before starting any course of donation treatment.
How will COVID affect me if I am pregnant?
There is currently no sufficient evidence to suggest that contracting a COVID infection will increase the risk of miscarriage or affect the development of a baby. The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists have provided their own guidance about the risks of the impact of COVID on pregnancy – click here for more information.
It is very important that if your are pregnant you try and minimise the risk of catching a COVID infection and we suggest seeking advice on a COVID vaccination for additional protection for both you and your baby.
What is the current vaccine advice for pregnant women?
The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has advised that pregnant women should be offered the vaccine at the same time as the rest of the population, based on their age and clinical risk group. The Pfizer or Moderna vaccines should be offered although there is no evidence to suggest that the other vaccines are unsafe.
Further information can be found at JCVI – Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation: advice on priority groups for COVID-19 vaccination, 30 December 2020.
Is it safe to have the vaccine when undergoing fertility treatment?
The vaccine is safe to be given at any time during your fertility journey. As some people report feeling temporarily unwell after their vaccination, you may wish to avoid having it when you’re about to undergo a procedure such as egg collection or embryo transfer.
Guidance from the Joint UK Blood Transfusion and Tissue Transplantation Services Professional Advisory Committee (JPAC) is that you must allow at least seven days from your most recent vaccination prior to donating eggs or sperm.
The current advice from the Human Fertility & Embryology Authority is that women who are trying to conceive should not delay becoming pregnant or undergoing fertility treatment after vaccination.
Does the vaccine affect the success of IVF or other fertility treatments?
There is no evidence that having the vaccine will affect the success rate of any fertility treatment and more and more studies are being carried out that support this.
Can my partner attend appointments or be there when I undergo treatment?
Yes, your partner can attend all appointments with you. We will ask that both yourself and your partner complete a COVID declaration form before attending the clinic.
We are nearing the 10-year limit on embryo storage; will we still be able to use them if we can’t have treatment before it expires?
The UK Government has confirmed that the current 10-year storage limit for embryos and gametes will be extended by two years. This means that patients who have stored sperm, eggs or embryos that are reaching the 10-year storage limit will not be affected by the impact that COVID has had on fertility treatments.
To keep our team and our patients safe, we’ve introduced several measures in line with the advice from the Government and the Human Fertilisation & Embryology Authority. We will constantly be updating these.
Video consultations. We have introduced virtual patient information events, consultations and counselling to reduce the amount of time spent in clinic. Face-to-face consultations can be undertaken if necessary.
Face masks. We ask that you continue to wear face coverings when you enter the clinic and when sitting in the patient areas. Our staff will wear the required PPE, depending on the procedure they are carrying out.
Cleaning. We are still performing a rigorous cleaning programme between patient appointments, as well as throughout the day.
Hand sanitiser. This is available throughout the clinic.
Coming into clinic. If you are in self-isolation, have developed a persistent new cough or a fever, please do not come to the clinic. Get in touch and we can advise you on your next steps.
When you are ready and the time is right for you, the next step is to contact us and we will help you arrange a face-to-face, telephone or video-call introduction with one of our consultants.
You can do this by filling in the contact form below or by giving one of our friendly team a call on +44 (0) 203 263 6025.
We really look forward to getting to know you and helping guide those next steps toward your dream family.
Mon – Fri: 9am – 5pm
8 Welbeck Way London W1G 9YL
