Is Covid-19 a Fertility or Pregnancy Concern?
What experts know and don’t know
The data on the impact of Covid-19 on fertility and pregnancy is lacking. One reason is the novel coronavirus hasn’t been around long enough for researchers to conduct definitive studies on the long-term effects of it on fertility or pregnancy.
“At the current time, our understanding of Covid-19 and effects on fertility are limited,” says Banafsheh Kashani, MD, board-certified OB/GYN and specialist in reproductive endocrinology and infertility at Eden Fertility Centers. “Currently, we do not believe there is a direct effect on fertility. However, long-term studies and research are lacking, so patients should not be reassured there is no effect. Therefore, I advise patients to continue to practice social distancing to minimize exposure to the virus due to possible unknown, long-term effects.”
While that’s not the most encouraging takeaway, the advice remains that avoiding Covid-19 should be everyone’s priority, including those who are looking to get pregnant soon. It’s known that becoming seriously ill can have an impact on fertility in the short term, like causing hormonal disturbances, regardless of the infection.
Some researchers have identified Covid-19 virus particles in semen, but what that means for virus transmission or fertility…
