COVID-19 Vaccine and Fertility

Dr. Krinos Trokoudes and the embryology team at Pedieos IVF Center in Nicosia answer the following important question based on the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) and European Society Of Human Reproduction (ESHRE) guidelines. Pedieos IVF Center follows the guidelines of these bodies in their practice.

1. Does the COVID-19 vaccine affect pregnancies?
There has NOT been significant studies on the safety and efficacy of pregnant women that have taken the vaccine.

2. Does the COVID-19 vaccine affect future pregnancies?
Vaccination is not thought to affect fertility and is not necessary to delay pregnancy after vaccination.
a. American Society for Reproductive Medicine: “COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for women who are contemplating pregnancy and who are pregnant in order to minimize risks to themselves and their pregnancy.”
b. “The task force does NOT recommend withholding the vaccine from patients who are planning to conceive, who are currently pregnant, or who are lactating.”
c. Society of Maternal Fetal Medicine: has recommended that pregnant women have access to the currently approved Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine.

3. Does the COVID-19 vaccine affect fertility in men?
a. From China, one study found the virus in the semen of 15% of COVID patients. Another study did not find the virus in the semen 31 days after testing positive in the blood.
b. In men desiring fertility and vaccine:
As of January 2021: There are no data about the impact of COVID-19 vaccine on male or female infertility. Therefore, the ASRM and SSMR recommend that the vaccine should be offered to men desiring fertility.

4. COVID-19 vaccine and fertility risks
For men who develop fever, the sperm may temporarily decrease just as in any other disease. For pregnant women, individualise the recommendation.

Pedieos IVF Team is here to discuss your concerns about getting pregnant and answer any questions you may have. Contact us for more information.