Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the world has been covered in uncertainty. Insecurity affects us on many fronts: economic, mental and, of course, physical. Every day we are bombarded with intelligible, contradictory or uncertain information that only increases doubts. At Integral Fertility, we want to help you navigate this restless sea so that you can carry out your process with the greatest possible peace of mind when faced with the question: Is the vaccine against COVID-19 safe if I am looking for a pregnancy?
The crossroads are clear: How do I keep myself and my future family healthy? Could the coronavirus vaccine affect my fertility treatment? What are the risks? Don't worry, we'll go step by step. But to make an informed decision, you need to know the whole picture.
The risks Is the COVID-19 vaccine safe if I'm looking for a pregnancy?
Surely you've heard a lot about the consequences that COVID-19 has on the human body. But what happens in the case of pregnant people? The reality is that they are more at risk of being hospitalized for complications related to the virus. Recent studies indicated that pregnant people are 20 times more likely to die from contracting coronavirus. This is one of the reasons why they were categorized as a vulnerable population in many countries. Here are some of the consequences that the virus has on pregnancy:
- Higher risk if a C-section is required
- Higher chance of preterm delivery
- Increased chance of suffering from hypertensive disorders during pregnancy
- Higher risk of postpartum bleeding.
Ok, but what are the risks of getting vaccinated against COVID-19?
One of the many (but many) rumors about the vaccine is that it can cause infertility. Although it is true that pregnant people were not included as a priority in clinical trials, this is not a cause for alarm; the scientists concluded that the ingredients and methodologies used in the vaccines have no effect on pregnant people or on fertility. In addition, during the tests of the trials, both Pfizer and Moderna, there were several cases of patients who became pregnant during the trial periods and none experienced adverse effects on their pregnancy. Other studies have been conducted to determine if the vaccine has any negative effects on animal pregnancy; no complications have been found in female reproduction, fetal development or postnatal development.
Although this information may not be conclusive, we have access to more and more information thanks to data from people who have already been vaccinated. So far, the only risk recorded as a result of the vaccine is a common side effect in the general population: the possibility of post-injection fever. In animals, fever during the early stages of pregnancy is associated with a slightly increased risk of birth defects and spontaneous abortion. However, this can be controlled by a medication that is safe for pregnant people to lower fever... keep paracetamol always on hand!
Well... what about fertility?
If only there were a study to find out if the vaccine has an effect on in vitro fertilization! Wait... Yes there is! This study was done specifically to find out if any of the components of the coronavirus vaccine could cause you problems conceiving. To do this, they divided the patients into three groups: those who had antibodies per vaccine, those who had antibodies due to recent COVID-19 infection and those who did not have any type of antibodies. They found no difference between the three groups, as the chances of a successful pregnancy remained stable. In addition, the results of nearly 2,500 pregnant people vaccinated before the 20th week of pregnancy showed no increase in the risk of spontaneous abortion.
Male fertility is lacking
Of course, and there is currently no evidence that vaccines can cause male infertility problems. A study of 45 participants showed no difference in sperm characteristics (quality and movement) before and after the vaccine. And, although fever is associated with a decrease in sperm, there is no evidence that fever affects sperm production after the coronavirus vaccine.
Finally... The benefits!
As you may have heard, vaccines against COVID-19 lower the risk of infection. But, above all, the chances of serious illness and hospitalization decrease and, therefore, the risk of pregnancy decreases. In addition, some studies have found antibodies in the umbilical cord of people vaccinated with Pfizer or Moderna, in addition to an increase in antibodies in breast milk. This means you could pass on your immunity to your baby!
