Infertility treatment and COVID lockdown – Questions answered.

Infertility treatment is time sensitive. The lockdown and pandemic may have thrown your plans out of gear and you may have a lot of questions. Here are a few frequently asked questions that will provide answers.

Can I have a fertility consultation now?

Yes. Our tele-consultation services are open for consultations and follow-ups. So, you can consult experts from the safety and comfort of your home.

I had to postpone my IVF treatment. Will I be able to continue treatment?

Yes, you can continue treatment after lockdown is lifted, though there it may be set back by a few months.

Will the delay affect my chances of conception?

No. There is no evidence that a few months delay will decrease your chances of conceiving by artificial reproductive methods. So, you don’t have to worry. Have a healthy diet, sleep well, be active and exercise regularly to be in good health to resume your treatment post lockdown.

After lockdown, when I resume treatment, will I be safe in a hospital?

Hospitals have stringent infection control and sanitization protocols in accordance with ICMR guidelines. All personnel involved in the treatment will wear masks and protective equipment. Consultation and post procedure follow-up will be handled remotely through tele-consultation. Strict adherence to schedules will be maintained to avoid crowding. These measures will greatly reduce the chances of infection. So you can visit the hospital with confidence for treatment.

I have frozen my eggs. Will they be safe?

Yes, frozen eggs, sperm and embryos will be safely cryo-preserved in liquid nitrogen. You can use them once the lockdown is lifted.

I have to get an ultrasound scan to confirm my pregnancy. Is it safe to get it now?

You have to get the scan immediately as it will decide your future course of action. Follow guidelines such as wearing masks etc. given by the hospital during the procedure.

Stay positive and healthy. You can start your fertility programme once this COVID pandemic is over.

Patient selection & prioritization for fertility services

High risk patients (There with HTN, DM, on immune suppressants or transplant patients with renal, liver diseases like medical condition) should be deffered from treatment during this period.

Third party reproduction including donor with fresh oocyte & surrogate cycles may be avoided now.

ART cycle for fertility preservation in cancer surviving to be started at the earliest.

Patient prioritization to be based on

The impact of delay on patient progress due to medical factors such as age, ovarian reserve or endometriosis

The impact of treatment delay on the mental and emotional well being of patients