Seeking fertility treatment is a significant step on the path to parenthood. While taking this leap can be stressful, that worry is often heightened by the idea of beginning treatment during a global pandemic. While your journey may look different than you originally anticipated, the experts at South Jersey Fertility Center are debunking the most common myths about fertility and COVID-19.
Myth: I should electively delay treatment.
One of the biggest questions for couples who want to pursue treatment is the notion of if now is the right time to start a treatment cycle. In the early days of the pandemic with many clinics temporarily pausing new treatment cycles and testing, fertility became a place of uncertainty. Fortunately now we have rigorous safety standards in place to ensure that we are doing our best to maintain the health of both staff and patients. This has allowed us to continue treatment while minimizing risk by continuing to limit in person appointments when possible, wear appropriate PPE and practice social distancing.Myth: If I choose to wait, I could be jeopardizing my chance at pregnancy.
If you’d prefer to wait a few months before beginning treatment, it’s important to remember that waiting 1-2 months will not significantly impact success rates; however, delaying treatment for an extended period of time is not recommended for those who have certain diagnoses, such as diminished ovarian reserve.
Myth: My treatment could be canceled mid-cycle.
Beginning fertility treatment during this time can be nerve wracking and cause patients to question if their cycle could be abruptly canceled. Fortunately, this is not the case. We want to give everyone the opportunity to complete their treatment and have the best chance for success. Treatment cycles would only be canceled mid-cycle for clinical reasons such as poor response to fertility medications, discovering a cyst, or premature ovulation. Please note that cycles may also be cancelled due to potential COVID-19 exposure.
Myth: It’s dangerous to be pregnant right now.
Growing your family is a highly personalized decision that requires a lot of personal thought, although it is important to remember that your risk of COVID-19 infection is not significantly increased simply by being pregnant or seeking care. Pregnant women are known to be at greater risk of severe complications from respiratory viral infections such as influenza and SARS. There is some evidence that pregnant women are at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19 compared to non-pregnant women or may have a greater risk of preterm delivery. There is not enough evidence to warrant concern around birth defects associates with COVID-19.
Myth: I won’t get the same quality of care.
With limited in person visits, a primary concern is that patients will not receive the same personalized care that they are used to from their fertility doctor. This is the farthest thing from the truth. In fact, quality of care becomes even more of a focus as our team wants you to feel confident in your care during such an unprecedented time.
Start Your Journey
Take the first step on your journey to parenthood with South Jersey Fertility Center, contact us at 856-596-2233 to schedule your virtual consultation.