Effects of COVID-19 Quarantine Period on Fertility Patients and IVF Clinic Management Worldwide

Background: The initial months of 2020 experienced a rapid spread of a new Coronavirus named SARS-2. The World Health Organisation declared a global pandemic on 11th March 2020. Due to the new strain of the virus, little was known regarding COVID-19 and its effects on fertility and pregnancy. Aim: To explore how fertility clinics and ART treatments proceeded post COVID-19 lockdowns and how this affected fertility patients. Method: We surveyed fertility clinics world-wide with an online questionnaire through the platform RedCap. The questionnaire contained 33 questions focusing on the differences of country responses to guidelines and regulations. Scientific directors, medical directors and lab managers were contacted via email with the questionnaire link. The questionnaire was approved by Monash Health Human Research Ethics Committee and focused on the initial COVID-19 lockdown. Results: There were 34 individual country responses, Asia (11), Europe (10), Africa (3), North America (3), Oceania (2) and South America (5). Of the 34 countries, 7 countries did not experience a complete cessation of all procedures. Most countries followed their government health recommendations and clinic policies. IVF/ICSI and frozen embryo transfer (FET) procedures proved to be the most delayed treatments. Sixteen countries reported to have an increase in freeze-all cycles compared to fresh transfers. Patients had to undergo a SARS-CoV-2 test in 50% of countries. Additional counselling for patients during the pandemic was implemented in 22 countries. Conclusion: During the COVID-19 pandemic most fertility services were suspended, allowing insight into the implications of a shutdown. In conclusion, a protocol for scenarios of this nature would benefit future events. A protocol including increased phycological support, continuation of care, including telehealth and guidelines for prioritizing couples who need treatment most urgently.

Abstract licence: CC BY-NC-ND

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