ABSTRACT
Background: The coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is now spread all over the world. This study was designed to assess the possibility of SARS-CoV-2 presence in follicular fluid, which may have harmful effects on normal ovulation and fertility. Method(s): Five women who were candidates for Assisted Reproductive Technique (ART) and had a COVID-19 PCRpositive test on the day of oocyte retrieval participated in the study. SARS-CoV-2 tests were performed on the follicular fluid obtained from these women. Result(s): SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected only in one follicular fluid sample, and other follicular fluid samples were negative. Conclusion(s): Because the COVID-19 effect on human reproduction is unknown, exact precautions should be taken during this pandemic, especially for women applying for ART.
ABSTRACT
Background: The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has raised concerns regarding the application of assisted reproductive technology (ART) in the world. Many ART programs have been delayed or continued with new precautions due to the ambiguity about vertical transmission and pregnancy safety. Regarding the possible risks of SARS-CoV-2 infection on ART and the resultant embryos, this study aimed to investigate the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in follicular fluid, granulosa cells, and oocytes of COVID-19-infected women undergoing ART. Materials and Methods: COVID-19-positive polymerase chain reaction tests were reported for five women undergoing ART cycles on the day of oocyte retrieval. SARS-CoV-2 tests were performed on oocytes, granulosa cells, and follicular fluid obtained from these COVID-19-infected women. Results: SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected only in one follicular fluid sample;however, other follicular fluid samples, granulosa cells, and oocytes were negative regarding viral RNA. Conclusion: Given the unknown effects of COVID-19 on human reproduction and ART, strict precautions should be taken during the COVID-19 pandemic. [GMJ.2022;11:e2638] DOI:10.31661/gmj.v11i.2638
ABSTRACT
Background: The coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19), caused by a the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is now spread worldwide. Therefore, informative and reliable data related to the exact effects of COVID-19 on fertility and pregnancy is still of great interest until the pandemic is declared over. General guidelines regarding the protection and management of COVID-19 have been published and new information will continue to be updated daily. Methods: In this review, we summarized clinical health guidelines for reproductive and infertility centers to improve quality management in assisted reproductive technology and minimize the potentially harmful consequences of COVID-19 on pregnancy and fertility. Results: As specified in the literature, protocols consist of five categories, including protocols for couples, protocols for women, protocols for men, labor and delivery, and postpartum and breastfeeding. Conclusion: General protocols for patients and staff may vary depending on specific conditions. However, this review provides some rules to ensure their safety against the disease during the pandemic. © 2021 Mashhad University of Medical Sciences. All rights reserved.