Effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection during ovarian stimulation on ART outcomes

Abstract

Research QuestionDoes SARS-CoV-2 infection during controlled ovarian stimulation affect assisted reproductive technology outcomes? DesignThis retrospective cohort study conducted at the Reproductive Medicine center of the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University aimed to assess the effects of acute SARS-CoV-2 infection during in vitro fertilization (IVF) on treatment outcomes and the reproductive system.The study included 151 treatment cycles involving COVID-19 positive patients during controlled ovarian stimulation (COS), along with 224 cycles of non-infected couples as a control group. Clinical characteristics and laboratory parameters were analyzed, including total Gonadotropins dosage, COH days, oocytes retrieved, fertilization method, fertilization rate, and available blastocyst embryos. Samples from COVID-19 patients were tested for SARS-CoV-2 RNA using RT-PCR assay. ResultsThe treatment and control groups showed similar cycle characteristics, including fertilization method, total Gonadotropins dosage, and COH days. The average number of oocytes retrieved per cycle and mature oocytes in intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycles were comparable. No significant difference was observed in the number of total available blastocyst embryos between the groups. Furthermore, no SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected in the samples of COVID-19 patients. ConclusionsIn conclusion, acute SARS-CoV-2 infection during COS does not significantly impact IVF treatment outcomes. Additionally, no identified risk to the reproductive system was observed in patients infected with SARS-CoV-2. Therefore, individuals with asymptomatic or mild COVID-19 symptoms can safely continue IVF treatment. Future research is needed to investigate the long-term effects of COVID-19 on fertility and reproductive outcomes.