Impact of coronavirus disease 2019 on assisted reproductive technique

Abstract

The coronavirus pandemic has had a great impact on many health sectors including pregnancy and infertility treatments such as in vitro fertilization, intrauterine insemination, ovulation induction, laparoscopy, hysteroscopy, and assisted reproductive techniques. Due to this situation in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and relaxation permitted by government, allowing the non-essential services in a gradual manner, infertility services have been resumed as per the guidelines set by ministry of health and family welfare of India. The staff has to be triaged to meet the demands of this situation. Diagnostic evaluation using RT-PCR should be done at the commencement of treatment. If donor tests positive, cycle has to be called off. It is important to know, the effect of SARS-CoV2 on gametes, embryos, and early pregnancy. According to ESHRE, the probability of contamination of gametes and early stages of embryo by this virus is low. Certain new evidences are indicating possible transmission of this virus from mother to newborn, thus putting the pregnant women into high risk category. It is still not known if patients who continue to test positive for PCR remain infective throughout the period or their infectivity dissipates over time. Universal good practices must be followed in view of safety for both doctors and patients. COVID-19 has actually changed the way of infertility treatment is provided. Extensive guidelines and new protocols must be set up so as to have minimum risks.