The COVID-19 vaccine: Fertility, pregnancy and IVF

Vaccine ‘hesitancy’ is a totally understandable response among women wanting to get pregnant. And that includes those who’ve started or are beginning their IVF journey, whether that’s IVF with ICSI or other techniques. But a new review of data by the UK’s health regulator shows that COVID-19 jabs don’t affect fertility or the chance of a healthy baby.

The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) report has found that none of the vaccines rolled out raises the risks of a chemical pregnancy (a baby loss shortly after implantation), miscarriage, and stillbirth. Nor do they impact the ability to have children. It’s reassuring news given all the scare stories that have been circulating around safety and side effects.

Impact of Covid vaccine on IVF

These even include reports among women post-vaccination of vaginal bleeding and irregular periods. But the MHRA says any menstrual changes are short-lived and low compared both with the numbers to date who’ve had a jab and the incidence of menstrual disorders in general.

The MHRA findings are backed by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, who point out that nearly 200,000 pregnant women have had a COVID-19 vaccine without suffering health problems. Their latest guidance includes advice that women trying to conceive don’t need to avoid pregnancy after vaccination. So, the message is do go ahead and get yourself jabbed.