Our Consultant, Dr. George Christopoulos explains below what the Covid19 pandemic means for women and couples seeking fertility treatment:
- The situation with respect to the number of affected persons and UK government advice on measures to increase social distancing is evolving. The government has advised against non-essential social contact and non-essential travel. Self-isolation has been advised for anyone with symptoms of coronavirus along with their household.
- The Greek government has passed emergency legislation, which mandates that all patients travelling to Greece should self-isolate for 14 days before coming to contact with other people or starting treatment.
- The British Fertility Society (BFS), American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) and European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) have all stated that, in view of the unknown effects of Covid-19 on embryos and pregnancy, and in the midst of a public health emergency, no new fertility treatment cycles should be started at the moment.
- Our practice has the welfare of our patients, and their pregnancies, foremost in our minds. In view of the clear statements from the world’s the main fertility societies we believe the responsible and safe thing to do is to not start any new treatment cycles. This decision will be reviewed frequently as new data emerge and the pandemic progresses with the aim of getting back to normal.
- This unfortunately means that no new ovulation induction, IUI, fresh IVF or Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET) cycles can be started until further notice.
- We have decided that diagnostic tests such as hysterosalpingogram, semen analysis or post-vasectomy testing and all tests which involve attendance at the clinic should be suspended in order to minimise social contact.
- Our practice has robust systems in place to minimise the effects of the virus and public health measures on our patients and their treatments. All members of the team wash their hands frequently, surfaces are regularly sanitised, and foot-fall in the clinics is being minimised to that necessary. Team working structures are in place and staff areas zoned where possible.
- We are encouraging patients to have telephone or Skype consultations as an alternative to face to face when and where possible. Skype and telephone consultations will continue as usual.
- Please help us to reduce risks by using the alcohol gel provided at reception when entering the clinic and by washing your hands frequently.
We can assure you that we hope to be able to restart new treatment cycles as soon as possible and will be closely monitoring National and International guidelines and studies. Any updates will be posted on this webpage.
Please contact us directly if you wish to discuss your personal situation. Please do not come to the clinic if you have developed a fever or new persistent cough or are in self-isolation. Contact NHS 111 if you are unsure.
We are here to support you during this uncertain time. Please do not hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions or would just like to talk with someone about your options.