The following can be templated in your medical records for every patient you provide fertility treatment:
I discussed the guidance and recommendations for trying to conceive, fertility treatments, and risks with coronavirus (COVID-19) in pregnancy. New data are continuing to emerge and the guidance and recommendations are expected to change over time. Current considerations include the following:
According to the most recent information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), pregnant women seem to be at higher risk of severe illness due to COVID-19 including intensive care unit (ICU) admission (1.5% vs 0.9%), and receipt of mechanical ventilation (0.5% vs 0.3%), compared with nonpregnant women. Importantly, pregnant women do not appear to be at increased risk of death compared to nonpregnant women in the same age group (currently calculated at 0.2%).
There are unknown impacts of COVID-19 on pregnancy including maternal and fetal risks. In the first trimester, febrile illness from any cause may be associated with increased risk of miscarriage. Later in pregnancy there may be adverse obstetrical outcomes associated with COVID-19, specifically increased risk of preterm delivery and complications of prematurity.
Pregnant women and their families should take measures to ensure their health and prevent spread of infection. Every effort will be made to reduce risk of exposure during evaluation and treatment at SRM; however, some residual risk may still be present. There is the potential for treatment cancellation due to exposure, infection, availability of PPE, or changes in regulations, and there would be associated financial consequences of cancellation. There also may be limitations of COVID-19 testing.
The patient has the option to postpone evaluation and treatment. The patient is aware of the increased risks and the limited data regarding COVID-19 and wishes to proceed with treatment when feasible. All questions answered.