COVID-19 is not just a crisis for viral issues, but it has brought forward enormous other emergency and elective health issues. In cases of cardiac or surgical emergencies that need immediate attention, doctors are extra careful before they take each step. On other hands, people who are looking for elective procedures, may it be IVF or cosmetic, both the doctors and patients are vary and wondering what could be the best step forward.
Fertility ratio
It is usually about 1 in 6 couples in the fertility age group, who seek infertility treatment. This translates to about 5 lak people who take different fertility treatments in India every year. Have individuals and couples really suffered during this pandemic? Or do they still have a chance?
Lockdown effects on IVF Clinics
Every country in the world went through different lockdown stages. India had a nearly 4 months lockdown. All IVF / IUI clinics were closed and all related assisted reproductive procedures were halted. Clinics and patients both had to play a waiting game.
Expert Opinion
Dr Yashodhara of Zoi Fertility made an interesting comment, “coronavirus is not just a bodily disease but it plays on the minds of every person in the world. Luckily with better understanding of the Covid-19 virus, treatment options available, and lockdown easing up, the clinics and couples have started inching towards taking treatment options.”
“Zoi Fertility’s team has learnt the newer Covid-19 protocols, helping deter the spread of Coronavirus to and from patients, under treatment. I am proud to say that each patient is following the protocols and none of the patients have been detected positive during or post treatment.
Need of Fertility treatments
Lockdown has affected work, timings, travel, and this also means a lot of time at hand, to plan the future. Getting pregnant, indeed, was one of the priorities. With more time on hand, many patients conceived naturally, and with increased stress levels, we have even seen couples struggling to conceive. IVF stimulation treatment or IUI protocol needs a month or two months preparation. This means, the cycles which were cancelled, are able to now restart immediately, the ones who believe the Covid risks are minimal. One of the biggest reasons for couples or individuals to restart the treatment is uncertainty. Uncertainty of not knowing when this pandemic will come in control, and the delay in treatment, will affect their fertility potential further reducing their chances to conceive.
Conclusions
Couples should look at two important factors before deciding whether to proceed with IVF treatments or to take a break. One, what was their doctor’s advice when they met last. If the doctors had not shown urgency, the patient can weigh in the same to plan their pregnancy. Secondly, if they have never met the doctors, this indeed is the perfect time for the patient to meet the doctor, get some minimum investigations done, and know their present fertility potential. This will certainly diagnose if the female factor or male factor or both factors are involved. That will guide them with the time frame and the cost factors for future action plans.
