FAQs on COVID-19 and fertility

When will IVF clinics reopen?

We are restarting fertility treatment and IVF now. The Government announcement made on Tuesday, 21 April 2020 stipulates that IVF and elective surgeries can recommence as of 27^th April.

We have been eagerly awaiting this decision and we support the lifting of the elective surgery restrictions. Our clinics and day hospitals are ready and open for business. Please contact your Fertility Specialist or TasIVF if you want to recommence or start treatment.

If I am a new patient, how soon can I start treatment?

Ultimately your fertility specialist will advise you on when it would be most appropriate to begin the IVF process, if that is deemed the best course of treatment for your circumstances. Our fertility and IVF services have reopened and we are scheduling in new treatment and IVF cycles for patients. The first step is to book in with a fertility specialist and this can be done online or on the phone if you wish. Please call 1800 111 483 to book an appointment.

Can I book an appointment with a fertility specialist?

Yes, you can book a virtual appointment with a fertility specialist via online or tele-consult. You can call 1800 111 483 to book these appointments.

How safe is it to visit an IVF clinic?

In Australia, the daily infection rate is slowing and the number of new cases in the community is low so we believe it is the right time to resume fertility treatment and IVF for patients. Your safety and the safety of our staff and doctors remains our number one priority. We have introduced increased infection control and hygiene measures to make sure that our clinics will be as safe as it’s possible to be, including:

• Enforcement of social distancing rules in clinics and laboratories
• Appropriate protective equipment for patients, staff and doctors
• Increased cleaning of consult rooms following every patient
• Temperature checks for everyone entering our facilities
• The continuation of Zoom and tele-consults where appropriate

Available evidence shows that the highest risk of the transmission of COVID-19 happens at home. If you or any member of your household are feeling unwell or displaying any symptoms, no matter how mild, we ask you to please refrain from coming to our facilities, self-isolate and seek available medical attention.

What happens if I test positive to COVID-19 while in treatment?

If you test positive for COVID-19 you will be required to self-isolate and this may result in a pause in your fertility or IVF treatment, depending on what stage you are at. Your doctor will advise on what steps need to be taken to ensure your safety and the safety of our staff and fellow patients.

Does COVID-19 affect pregnancies?

Current research on COVID-19 and its effects on fertility is limited. However, the results are reassuring with no evidence of mother-to-baby transmission during pregnancy. The available evidence does not suggest any serious consequences for fetal development, newborn babies, or women in pregnancy.

Our advice is low-risk patients going through assisted reproduction (such as IVF) are unlikely to be at any higher risk of complications than anyone else in the population.

 

Will doctors and clinic staff wear protective equipment?

Yes, we have introduced increased hygiene and infection control protocols for our teams and patients which includes wearing protective gear where it’s appropriate. The risk of transmission within our facilities is very low. However, the safety of our patients, staff and doctors is our number one priority and we will take every precaution in our clinics and laboratories.

How can I social distance when going through IVF treatment?

We will manage our staff and patient volumes carefully to minimise waiting room congestion and ensure social distancing rules can be adhered to. Our fertility specialists, nurses, counsellors and administrators will continue to utilise telehealth and virtual appointments where it’s appropriate.

However, there are certain procedures where social distancing is not possible, such as egg collection, embryo transfer, blood tests and scans. In these instances the use of appropriate protective equipment will be implemented.

 

What should I do if I start feeling sick or show symptoms of COVID-19?

If you or any member of your household are feeling unwell or displaying any symptoms, no matter how mild, you should self-isolate immediately and contact your primary health care professional (i.e. GP), clinic or nursing team for further instructions.

Should I get a flu vaccine?

Yes, flu shots are recommended for people wanting to conceive and pregnant women. Talk to your specialist today about getting a flu shot. 

What support services is TasIVF providing at this time?

We’re here to help any patients with support and care during this challenging time. In addition to our specialist doctors, nurses and administration staff – who are all able to talk you through any concerns related to COVID-19, our team of counsellors are here for support and advice. Contact us on 1800 111 483 to find out about video or phone consultations.

I’m interested in becoming a sperm or egg donor, are you still accepting new donors at this time?

We welcome your expressions of interest to become a donor. To complete an application, much of the process can be completed from home or by teleconference. We recommend you book a consultation with a fertility specialist online via phone or video conferencing, we can undertake all of the counselling and medical assessment preparation.

I want to find out more about surrogacy?

If you are thinking about surrogacy, we recommend you book a consultation with a fertility specialist online via video conferencing. To request a video consult please call 1800 111 483.

You will need a valid referral from a GP. For video conferencing you will need a suitable computer and internet connection.

What if I just need help with ovulation tracking?

We can help you! If you have not seen one of our specialist team, we recommend you book a consultation with a fertility specialist online via phone or video conferencing.

With medical consultations being offered via telehealth the government has initiated new Medicare item numbers – please discuss with your doctor’s secretary prior to initiating the consultation.

You will need a valid referral from a GP. For video conferencing you will need a suitable computer and internet connection.

Are my eggs, sperm and embryos that are stored at IVFAustralia safe in this coronavirus environment?

There is no reason to have any concern at all about the safety of your stored materials.  

Our laboratory team are still taking great care of your stored egg, sperm and embryos. Our security system monitors every tank and freezer across TasIVF. We have digital monitors attached to every storage tank to check the levels of liquid nitrogen which is in continuous contact with our security system where we have an embryologist on call 24 hours a day.

How does COVID-19 affect pregnancy?

The current research available on COVID-19 and its effects on fertility is limited; the number of pregnant women who have contracted COVID-19 and have subsequently delivered is small. However the results are reassuring, including no evidence of mother-to-baby transmission during pregnancy.

Currently available evidence does not suggest serious consequences for baby development, newly born or women in pregnancy. However, as the situation is still emerging, these results require cautious optimism.

Our advice is unaffected: low risk patients going through assisted reproduction (such as IVF) are unlikely to be at any higher risk of complications than anyone else in the population.

We recognise that women who are in the early stages of pregnancy will be experiencing worry and anxiety at this time.

Advice from RANZCOG (the leading organisation dedicated to doctors who specialise in pregnancy and childbirth) state: pregnant women do not appear to be more severely unwell if they develop COVID-19 infection than the general population. It is expected that the large majority of pregnant women will experience only mild or moderate cold/flu like symptoms.

I’m pregnant, should I be worried about COVID-19?

The current recommendations from RANZCOG are reassuring and state: 

“At this time, pregnant women do not appear to be more severely unwell if they develop COVID-19 infection than the general population. It is expected that the large majority of pregnant women will experience only mild or moderate cold/flu like symptoms.” 

I’m pregnant, can I pass COVID-19 to my unborn baby?

Reassuringly, so far research has shown that COVID-19 is not passed from mother to baby. There is no evidence of mother-to-baby transmission during pregnancy.

I’m pregnant, if I get COVID-19 am I at a higher risk of miscarriage?

Reassuringly, advice from the leading organisation (RANZCOG) dedicated to doctors (obstetricians) who specialise in pregnancy and childbirth state: for women who are trying to conceive, or who are in early pregnancy, there is no evidence to suggest an increased risk of miscarriage with COVID-19.

I’m pregnant, how do I protect myself from COVID-19?

We understand you are worried and there is lot of information to understand, please make sure you take your advice from trusted sources, such as Government Health Departments.

Follow their social distancing guidelines and stay at home; if you can work from home do so and if possible avoid public transport.

Ensure you wash your hands often and thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

Continue focusing on your health, eat healthily, moderate exercise and ensure you are getting enough sleep.

TasIVF wants to support you during this time, we have a number of online courses, online patient leaflets, videos and blogs to help you with a variety of fertility subjects, available on our website or Facebook page.