COVID-19 & Fertility Treatments

Dear Current and Future Patients of FERTILITE:

While everyone across the world grapples with the uncertainty of the Corona Virus pandemic (COVID-19), the FERTILITE Center is committed to offer you guidance and support throughout the course of this problem. We want to help in ensuring that your fears are fully properly addressed and guide you in the best way we can. With that in mind, we wanted to offer you a quick update on our operational readiness and share information published by federal health offices and other professional agencies.

As you all know very well infertility is a very stressful condition. As if this wasn’t already enough the Corona virus pandemic complicates things further for all segments of society but much more to all patients facing infertility issues. All of us here at FERTILITE have been keeping a close eye on the COVID-19 virus situation. We know that the fallout from this pandemic has been incredibly disruptive to so many lives across the globe, and we’re also acutely aware of the impact that the virus and associated shutdowns may have on your family building plans.

The American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) has issued new guidelines specifically for patients undergoing fertility treatments. Below are the most important points of the guidelines. However, if you prefer to read the whole document this is the link (https://www.reproductivefacts.org/news-and-publications/news-and-research/press-releases-and-bulletins/asrm-issues-new-guidance-on-fertility-care-during-covid-19-pandemiccalls-for-suspension-of-most-treatments/).

If you are planning to start a new IUI or IVF cycle. For all who are planning to begin a stimulation cycle using oral or injectable medications, for IUI, IVF retrieval, ASRM recommends that your cycle be postponed, with few exceptions.

If you plan to have a fresh or vitrified embryo transfer. The current recommendation for all clinics is to strongly consider cancelling or postponing both fresh and frozen embryo transfers until further notice.

If you have started a current cycle. ASRM is recommending clinics continue to provide individualized care for all patients who are already “in-cycle” or if you fall into a very small exception category,

If you have an upcoming scheduled procedure. ASRM recommends suspending all elective surgeries and non-urgent diagnostic procedures.

If you have an appointment scheduled. ASRM is recommending clinics to minimize in-person interactions and instead utilize tele-health options. It is common to offer medical consults by phone or video chat.

If you are already pregnant, congratulations!!!! The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) indicates that very little is known about the effect of COVID-19 on pregnant women and infants, and it’s unclear if COVID-19 can cross the placenta. Since pregnant women are at greater risk of severe complications from similar respiratory infections, pregnant women are considered an “at-risk population” for COVID-19.

FERTILITE Center Plan of Action in Relation to COVID-19
IN RESPONSE TO THE CDC’S PUBLIC HEALTH RECOMMENDATIONS AND WITH ASRM INPUT REGARDING THE
COVID-19 PANDEMIC, THE FERTILITE CENTER BOARD OF DIRECTORS VOTED TODAY TO RE-SCHEDULE SOME
OF OUR SERVICES. THEREFORE, IN THE MONTH OF APRIL WE WILL NOT OFFER ANY NEW IVF RETRIEVALS,
EMBRYO TRANSFERS OR ANY NON-EMERGENCY PROCEDURES. HOWEVER, WE WILL CONTINUE TO SEE PATIENTS
FOR REGULAR OFFICE VISITS ALTHOUGH THEY WILL BE SPACED TO MINIMIZE PATIENT INTERACTION.
IF YOU PREFER, WE HAVE THE OPTION OF TELECONFERENCES WHERE OUR PHYSICIAN CAN REVIEW YOUR
OPTIONS FOR YOU AND RECOMMEND A COURSE OF ACTION.

This was a difficult decision but considering the federal public health recommendations from both sides of the border, we believe that the safety and health of our patients, staff, and the public at large warranted taking these actions. It may feel incredibly disappointing for you. As getting ready for a treatment like IVF takes time, financial and emotional stress – and having a cycle cancelled or delayed is simply disheartening.

Please bear in mind that these recommendations and the actions we are taking are in your best interest. Your FERTILITE Center team promises that we have your back through all of this, and we’re monitoring the situation closely. In fact, we encourage you to check back with us as often as you may want. We will be bringing you the most up-to-date information as we have it available, along with interviews and advice from doctors and experts across the country. Until then, if you need us, please don’t hesitate to call at 619 586 7830 from US or 664 653 1854 from MX.

Sincerely,

Your FERTILITE Center Team