Unvaccinated Couples Face Lower Chances Of Conception
In efforts to increase vaccination rates in the U.S., health experts and authorities are conducting studies to reduce concerns for those who continue to remain unvaccinated for various health reasons.
Within the population, non-vaccinated couples have expressed concern over the COVID vaccination and its effects on suspected infertility; however, a recent study by the American Journal of Epidemiology has proven that vaccinations do not impair fertility in men or women.
On The Contrary, Infected Unvaccinated Males Possess Lower Chances Of Conception In The Short-Term
Fears of reduced fertility and conception have put couples off vaccinations. This is due to concerns about potential adverse effects on fertility. Now, it has come to light that non-vaccinated males who have become infected with COVID within 60 days have lower chances of conception.
With short-term negative effects on conceiving, couples, in particular males, are encouraged to opt for the COVID vaccination should they not have received this before or be at risk of reinfection.
The studies’ findings reveal that COVID infection in males is associated with a “transient reduction,” or short-term decline in fertility; however, long-term effects have not been found.
Another study by the National Institutes of Health backed up these claims. Within this study, it is revealed that:
- Couples where the male tested positive within 60 days were 18% less likely to conceive in that menstrual cycle
- No difference in conception rates was found for couples where the male had tested positive more than 60 days before a menstrual cycle, compared with couples where the male tested negative.
Symptoms Of COVID That Affect Male Fertility: Fever
While a new study in this area, more research needs to be conducted to figure out the reasons behind short-term effects on males and reduced conception.
It is, however, believed that the fever symptom of COVID is associated with a decrease in sperm count. Much research has been done on male fertility and reduced sperm count due to fever. This is according to many studies, including one performed by The National Library of Medicine.
Poignant to note here is that healthy males who received a vaccination experienced no sperm characteristic changes. The movement and quantity of the sperm before and after administering the vaccination saw no significant changes. This is according to a study published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). According to this study, quality and sperm production is not affected by vaccinations; only sperm count is affected should a fever be experienced.
Couples Trying To Conceiver Are Reassured That The COVID Vaccine Is Safe
These studies provide sufficient reassurance to those not vaccinated yet and trying to conceive that the vaccination will not reduce their chances or impair their fertility. According to the CDC, a COVID vaccination is recommended for couples who are trying to get pregnant now and in the near future.
Adding to this, The National Library of Medicine performed a study between syncytin-1, a protein found in humans, and the SARS-CoV-2 protein seropositivity spike after receiving the COVID vaccination.
The study revealed that this protein induced immune cross-reactivity and resulted in improved female sterility. For this reason, women who have struggled with conceiving previously could benefit from the COVID vaccination in this regard.
Should a lack of conception or infertility arise, couples are advised to seek advice and guidance from their doctor?
Further CDC Recommendations For Those Trying To Conceive And Those Who Have Recently Conceived
It is important to note that, according to the CDC, routine pregnancy testing before receiving a COVID-19 vaccine is not recommended. Not only do couples trying to conceive need not to avoid receiving a COVID-19 vaccine, but they do not need to avoid pregnancy following the vaccination.
Most importantly, if couples conceive after receiving their first vaccination shot that requires two doses, they should get their second shot to attain as much protection against the virus as possible.
Should side effects occur after vaccination, the CDC advises couples, mainly females, who have recently conceived to talk to their doctor. Should a fever arise following vaccination, acetaminophen (Tylenol®) is recommended to reduce the fever and, with this, avoid adverse pregnancy outcomes. CDC and other health authorities further recommend vaccinations for other reasons, including smoother births of healthier babies, fetus protection against COVID, healthier carrying of pregnancies with boosted immunities, and others. With this, COVID vaccinations for couples are advised.