COVID-19 has been found to impact multiple bodily systems, including those that help us to reproduce. There is evidence that having the virus can impact both male and female fertility, which is worrying information for those who want to become parents and have successfully recovered. Thankfully, the research so far suggests that COVID’s impact on fertility is temporary, though it’s still important to understand how it happens if you are trying for a baby. It’s also worth noting that the Covid vaccine has not been proven to impact your fertility.

Does having Covid-19 impact male fertility?

We know that COVID-19 decreases sperm quality and quantity and can impact testicular function and hormonal activity. Research suggests that a man’s sperm quality and quantity return to their normal version around three months post-recovery from the condition. This is possibly because fresh sperm is produced in 90-day cycles.

Does having Covid-19 impact female fertility?

The way the virus enters the body (via the cell receptor ACE2) disrupts female sex hormone levels, changing the menstrual cycle and negatively impacting ovarian reserves. Studies suggest that the impact on women with polycystic ovarian syndrome, who may already have trouble conceiving, is worse, as this condition is already causing them hormonal, ovarian, and period problems. Symptoms of endometriosis, which also causes problematic periods and can make it harder to conceive, can be significantly exacerbated by COVID-19. Research into the way the virus affects female fertility is ongoing, but a January 2022 review suggests that the impact on female sex hormones, the ovaries, and the menstrual cycle is temporary in most cases.

How long does it take for the female reproductive system to normalise after a case of COVID-19?

Your recovery time will depend on the severity of your case, as well as your overall health, and this is as true for your reproductive system as it is for the rest of your body. Some studies suggest that things return to normal after two months, whereas, in some women, things can take far longer to correct themselves.

How does COVID-19 impact the success of IVF and other assisted reproductive technologies?

While IVF treatments were heavily delayed as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, research suggests that contracting Covid-19 does not affect whether IVF succeeds. However, as with this and any other assisted reproductive technologies, your overall health matters to the success of the procedure. Covid-19 can be both mild and asymptomatic, and if you think you may have been exposed to the virus, it’s worth being tested before undergoing fertility treatment. If you’ve already experienced COVID-19, your healthcare team should be informed. This is even more important after you become pregnant. The healthcare professionals looking after you should have thorough knowledge of your medical history for the safety and wellbeing of you and your baby.

How might long Covid-19 impact fertility?

Symptoms of COVID typically subside after three months, though they can last far longer, significantly impacting a potential parent's overall wellbeing, which in turn impacts their fertility. The persistence of Covid symptoms longer than 12 weeks is known as “long Covid.”

Beyond the semen and testicular issues mentioned, men with long Covid are more likely to experience erectile dysfunction, which can make it more difficult to conceive a child.

Women are more likely to develop long-term COVID than men. Long Covid disproportionately affects premenopausal women, with some researchers comparing the potentially disruptive effects of the condition on periods and ovarian function to those of the long-term chronic conditions ME/CFS and POTS. In addition, having a number of debilitating symptoms over a significant time period can lessen one’s ability to prioritise self-care and make healthy choices, further impacting one’s ability to conceive.

Post-pandemic media reporting suggests that developing the long form of the virus has affected some couples' decisions about whether to have children at all. However, the severity of the case is highly relevant, and developing long COVID does not itself indicate that you cannot have children.

What can I do to optimise my fertility after having Covid-19?

The advice for optimising your wellbeing for fertility after recovery from COVID-19 is the same as it is for anyone trying to conceive—eat well, stay active, ensure any other chronic conditions are well managed, and make a doctor’s appointment to discuss your general health and pregnancy plans. Anyone looking after you should have comprehensive knowledge of your medical history in order to ensure the best possible care.

Did getting the Covid-19 vaccine impact my fertility?

The Covid-19 vaccination caused changes in a number of women’s menstrual cycles, which has given rise to the belief that it also causes infertility. While it can be more difficult to get pregnant with irregular periods, the vaccine does not itself cause infertility. If you have irregular periods and want to get pregnant, it is very important to discuss them with your doctor, as there could be underlying issues they can treat or support you in improving.

There are significant risks associated with having COVID-19 in pregnancy. No matter how you plan to conceive, vaccination is recommended by both the NHS and the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority.

For more advice on getting pregnant faster, check out Unii’s Preconception Journey video course with Dr. Shree Datta.

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