What to Know About ICSI Fertility Treatment During Covid-19?
From an outbreak in Wuhan to a major global pandemic, coronavirus has expanded to become one of the most prominent public health emergencies in the 21st century. Owing to the communicable nature of COVID-19 and the aggressive lockdown, several medical treatments have been delayed. Couples undergoing IVF/ICSI had also abstained from receiving medical care in fear of developing the infection. However, now that hospitals and clinics have opened up, rest assured, they are adopting stringent safety protocols. Make sure to pick an infertility hospital in Hyderabad which have implemented constraints to limit the spread and continue to offer essential services. Besides, here are a few things to know about the ICSI treatment approach during a pandemic.
Embryos Cannot be affected During ICSI
There are no pieces of evidence about sperms and eggs being infected by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. This rule out the possibilities of your embryos getting affected during any assisted reproductive methods. However, lab technicians and doctors reduce non-essential contacts to eliminate the slightest chance of maternal or fetal infections.
Vitrification of Embryos During ICSI Fertility Treatment
In many cases, the treatment was only halfway through before the lockdown was announced. Further, you might not voluntarily wish to step out given the contagious nature of the virus. It might leave you thinking whether it is fully beneficial since the entire ICSI process gets delayed. The good news is that if you do not want immediate treatment, hospitals can freeze the embryos. Be assured; this can protect biological features and does not compromise on the quality of the outcome.
Antenatal Care through Video Consultation
Keeping the troublesome time in mind, choose an infertility hospital in Hyderabad which offers virtual appointments. If you are on hormone therapy to induce ovulation, there could be several concerns and questions regarding the same. You could also feel a rush of emotional turmoil from time to time. So, if mothers require professional help, don’t hesitate to book an appointment. Read the terms and conditions and get the best advice from your specialists.
Catching COVID-19 before Treatment
Although gametes (reproductive cells) have not yet reported about getting infected, doctors will pause the process. This is particularly done if you are COVID positive right before egg collection. It would be safe to wait for at least 28 days after recovery to restart the method. This is the safest step to take to protect yourself and those involved in the treatment procedure.
Counseling to Handle Mental Disorders
The pandemic in itself is quite a distressful situation. And, undergoing an IVF and the refined ICSI treatment at this point might leave you feeling slightly overwhelmed. While any medical procedure can bring about emotional changes, it is particularly important to address the same during infertility treatments. Talking to an expert will offer mental strength and support to progress well and witness optimal results. You will also emerge more positively with a balanced mental wellbeing.
In all, mothers-to-be should not be paranoid about treatments during COVID-19. You can delay the method till life comes back to normal. Or simply go ahead without inhibitions to continue with IVF. Whatever you pick; ensure analyzing your medical situation for an informed decision.
