COVID & Fertility

Fertility Testing and Treatment During the COVID-19 Pandemic

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Seeking fertility treatment can be a challenging process and although the Coronavirus hasn't made it any easier, we are doing everything we can to ensure a safe continuation of your journey. We are here to walk through this difficult time with you to help make your dreams of a family a reality. 

 

To protect the safety of our patients and staff, we are observing many safety measures at our clinic, surgery center, and laboratory. As such, we are limited as to the number of patients that may start a treatment cycle on any specific date.

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Many patients who experienced a cycle disruption due to COVID-19 have already spoken with a member of our clinical team to discuss cycle start timing. If you have not yet spoken to your clinical team, and if you wish to imitate treatment within the next two (2) months, please contact our office. Our team will review your protocol, medications, pre-cycle checklist, insurance, and authorization. You will also speak with a nurse to assess your current health and identify any final updates required for your pre-cycle checklist.

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Moving forward, we request that all patients call the office on Day 1 of their period.

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Our Safety Protocols

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Please be advised of the following updates to operations:

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1. Please do not visit our facilities if you display any of the below symptoms.

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Please remain aware of your personal health status and monitor yourself for the following COVID-19 symptoms before coming to the clinic for your appointment:
 

• Fever or chills

• Cough

• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

• Fatigue

• Muscle or body aches

• Headache

• New loss of taste or smell

• Sore throat

• Congestion or runny nose

• Nausea or vomiting

• Diarrhea

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2. Cycle Disruption Policy

If an individual demonstrates symptoms of illness during a treatment cycle, or if the individual is mid-cycle and tests positive for COVID-19, the cycle will be canceled or suspended.

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If this cancellation or suspension occurs prior to retrieval, we will issue a credit balance in accordance with services rendered during the cycle. Credit balances will be established on a case-by-case basis. We are not able to extend credit toward products or services provided by third parties (products or services provided by third parties include but not limited to medications, phlebotomy, anesthesia, genetic testing, tissue storage fees, etc).

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Consults

We offer virtual consultations for new and existing patients, as well as financial consults, via telemedicine to ensure the highest degree of patient safety, if you test positive for Covid or are in quarantine and unable to come in.

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• If you would like to schedule a New Patient Consult, please call our office (504) 475-1458.

• If you would like to schedule a follow-up consult with your provider or a financial consult, please send a portal message through the patient portal or call our office (504) 475-1458.

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As always, we remain committed to your safety and to serving you throughout your fertility journey. Whether in our clinic or via telemedicine, we hope to see you soon to get you back on the path toward starting a family as quickly as possible. We look forward to continuing your journey toward parenthood as soon as safely possible.

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COVID-19 and Fertility - Frequently Asked Questions

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We are here to answer any specific questions you have.  Please feel free to call our office to speak with one of our team members.  We will continue to provide updates on our website and social media.  We are honored you have chosen us to manage your care during your fertility journey and are here to help guide you.

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Should I get the COVID-19 vaccine if I'm pregnant?
For most people, getting the COVID vaccine, booster and CDC recommendations as soon as possible is the safest choice. However, trials testing the vaccine in pregnant and breastfeeding women have not been completed. Click here for more information to help you make an informed choice about whether to get the COVID vaccine while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
 

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Does COVID-19 impact fertility?

Currently, there is no published data or information to suggest that COVID-19 impacts fertility.

 

 

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Should I delay seeing a fertility specialist or moving forward with fertility treatment in light of COVID-19?

Most individuals of reproductive age are not considered "high-risk" for COVID-19, therefore it is not necessary to delay your new patient consult or treatment cycle at this time.

 

 

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Do you recommend that I postpone any attempt at getting pregnant until the virus is contained?

Please continue to review guidance from the CDC related to COVID-19 and pregnancy here. You may wish to delay pregnancy if you have been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19 or if you are feeling ill. If you think you might have been exposed to the virus, self-quarantining for 14 days after the last known exposure to the virus has been recommended by the CDC. If you are ill, have your primary care provider order a COVID-19 test from a commercial lab. The result will determine if you have an infection or are free of COVID-19.

 

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Will COVID-19 increase my risk of miscarriage? 

Currently, there is no information on adverse pregnancy outcomes in pregnant women with COVID-19. Pregnancy loss, including miscarriage and stillbirth, has been observed in cases of infection with other related coronaviruses (SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV) during pregnancy. High fevers during the first trimester of pregnancy can increase the risk of certain birth defects. (Source: CDC)

 

 

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What should I do if I become sick with a fever, cough, and/or shortness of breath?

If you develop a fever (100.4°F/38°C or higher), cough, or have trouble breathing, please seek care immediately. 
 

• Please seek treatment from your primary care provider.

  • We recommend that you call ahead if possible so that appropriate safety precautions can be observed at your provider’s waiting room.

  • Please inform the care provider of your symptoms and make the provider aware of any recent travel. 

  • As the provider to order a COVID-19 test.
     

• If you have difficulty breathing, please go to the nearest Emergency Department.

  • We recommend that you call ahead if possible so that appropriate safety precautions can be observed in the Emergency Room.
     

• Please avoid contact with others. We all play a vital role in preventing the spread of COVID-19.
   

• Please contact Audubon Fertility to make us aware of your illness.

  • Your physician will collaborate with you to determine the appropriate next steps in your care plan.

  • If one of our providers determines that your cycle must be delayed or canceled due to COVID-19 illness-related issues, we will issue a credit balance in accordance with services rendered during the cycle. Credit balances will be established on a case-by-case basis. We are not able to extend credit toward services provided by third parties (products or services provided by third parties include by no limited to medications, phlebotomy, anesthesia, genetic testing, tissue storage fees, etc).

 

 

If I have or have had COVID-19, when can I move forward with treatment?

The current recommendations from the CDC are changing as updates happen. Please check the CDC website or call our office if you have questions.

 

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If I get pregnant and have been infected with COVID-19, will my fetus be affected?

Per the CDC: “We do not know if a pregnant woman with COVID-19 can pass the virus that causes COVID-19 to her fetus or baby during pregnancy or delivery.” (Source: CDC)

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Are my eggs/embryos/sperm safe in the Audubon Labs?

Yes. Our laboratory is designed to specifications for complete containment of recombinant DNA. It has a positive pressure air handling system, HEPA filtration system, and maintains extremely rigorous cleaning and quality assurance protocols at all times. It is also located separately from areas where patients are seen for monitoring, appointments, examinations, or procedures. Our laboratory is CAP-accredited and therefore adheres to all best practices for safety and infection prevention. 

 

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Again, please feel free to call our office with any additional questions regarding the Coronavirus and fertility. We are doing everything we can to ensure a safe continuation of your treatment and are here to walk through this difficult time with you to help make your dreams of a family a reality. 

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Resources

CDC COVID-19: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html