Do COVID-19 Vaccines Pose A Risk to Fertility?

COVID-19 vaccines, especially the two mRNA vaccines approved for use in the United States, Moderna, and Pfizer BioNTech, are extremely effective tools in the fight to mitigate the COVID-19 pandemic. Both vaccines have been proven to be safe and effective in reducing the likelihood of contracting the virus and reducing severe illnesses, hospitalizations and deaths if an individual contracts a breakthrough infection.

Vaccines Do Not Cause Infertility

A recent update from the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) suggests that the COVID-19 vaccines may not cause infertility, contrary to myths and disinformation that unfortunately have spread on social media and through word-of-mouth. These rumors have led to vaccine hesitancy among reproductive-age women. In addition, ASRM published that the Covid 19 vaccination does not impact male or female fertility or fertility treatment outcomes nor increase the risk of miscarriage during pregnancy.

According to the American Medical Association: “Risks to fertility or the ability to become pregnant after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine were disproven through clinical trials and real-world data points,” says the AMA. “Moreover, COVID-19 itself carries significant risks for pregnant women, including higher risks of preterm labor and stillbirth, and higher risks of hypertension and pneumonia for pregnant women.”

Clinical Research Confirms No Impact on IVF Success

Recent research reveals that vaccines have had no impact on in vitro fertilization success rates. Fertility and Sterility, the clinical journal of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, recently published a study conducted by reproductive endocrinologist Dr. Randy Morris. Dr. Morris looked at the IVF implantation rates of women who either had been vaccinated or had contracted SARS-COv-2 and women who were seronegative for the virus. They found no difference in implantation rates between the two groups.

We encourage all intended parents and surrogates to get inoculated against COVID-19 with the vaccine. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) issued an urgent health advisory to doctors caring for pregnant women, women trying to conceive, and women who are breastfeeding. It called for doctors to urge these patients to get COVID-19 vaccinations as soon as possible.

According to CDC officials, COVID-19 is a severe risk to pregnant women whose immune systems are reduced and increases the risk of poor outcomes, including miscarriages, stillbirths, and severe COVID-19 disease.

If you have any questions about the vaccines and how they might affect you, please contact Dr. Arnold. Our goal is to ensure intended parents, surrogates, and babies have healthy outcomes through IVF, surrogacy, and egg donation.