Fertility Help – What Does Covid-19 Mean for Your Fertility Treatment?

Written by Eloise Edington – Founder of Fertility Help Hub

What’s Happening with Fertility Treatment Around the World Right Now?

One of the most heart-breaking things we’re seeing and hearing across the TTC (trying to conceive) community is the fact that people’s treatments and cycles are being put on hold. When it comes to fertility treatment Covid-19 takes no prisoners.

As if going through treatment or struggling to conceive naturally isn’t hard enough, but to have the added uncertainty and dark cloud of Covid-19 hanging over our heads, it feels ten times worse. You’re no doubt, like us, sick of hearing about the virus and want normality back.

A month ago, many of you may have felt in control, having a plan and knowing when your cycle of FET (frozen embryo transfer) was happening – you may have even fantasised about when the baby might be due if your cycle worked. To then be told it’s on hold, for the foreseeable future is heartbreaking and another dagger to the heart. Others not faced with this disappointment may not understand.

Related Article – IVF Cancelled: Will We Ever Have a Baby Now?

Please believe that this is temporary, things will change and get better and you will come out the other side. Remember that many many people are feeling the same as you. Trying to Conceive sucks, this situation is unfair but it doesn’t mean you aren’t worthy of becoming a parent. You might benefit from some fertility coaching and counselling support, as sometimes it can be easier to speak to a stranger, than with the person you’re trying to have a baby with.

With confusing statements coming out daily, we would also advise you to keep informed by your clinic that can provide you with fertility help, and country guidelines as this pandemic continues. Most fertility clinics should be updating you, but if they aren’t, pester them.

Related Article – ASRM Release Updated Guidelines

The American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), British Fertility Society (BFS) and European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) are trustworthy associations to follow for reliable advice.

With this in mind and with a heavy heart, but for the sake of clarity, I thought it would be helpful to share the latest ASRM recommendations, sent to me by a US Specialist:

1. Suspend initiation of new treatment cycles, including ovulation induction, intrauterine inseminations (IUIs), in vitro fertilization (IVF) including retrievals and frozen embryo transfers, as well as non-urgent gamete cryopreservation.

2. Strongly consider cancellation of all embryo transfers whether fresh or frozen.

3. Continue to care for patients who are currently “in-cycle” or who require urgent stimulation and cryopreservation.

4. Suspend elective surgeries and non-urgent diagnostic procedures.

Related Article – Fertility Springboard Podcast: Everything You Need to Know about Embryo Transfers

We are a community and, over the weeks and months, we have an array of super useful, resourceful and supportive holistic Instagram lives, expert articles, work-out videos, discounts and giveaways to share with you. Make sure to follow us on Instagram, so you don’t miss anything whilst we’re in lock-down.

Related Article – How to Have a Positive Mental Attitude During Lockdown

We’re here to help keep you motivated, positive and in control – so lean on us.

Please remember you are not alone – by sharing stories and feelings, we can offer others fertility help by showing that they’re not alone in this. If you want to chat, share your story (anonymously or not) or be put in touch with others going through the same disappointment, then please contact us.

Hang in there and stay home and safe x

Eloise