The COVID-19 vaccine does not cause sterility! Misinformation spread on social media and false reports circulated have raised questions about whether the COVID-19 vaccine causes female sterility. As a result, there has been a concerning increase in vaccine hesitancy in reproductive-age women. Rest assured, these are unfounded claims. New research has proved that the vaccine does not cause female sterility.
Vaccine hesitancy among this group was largely caused by a false report, shared on social media, that said the spike protein on the coronavirus was the same as another spike protein syncytin-1, which is involved in the development and attachment of the placenta during pregnancy. The report claimed that receiving the COVID-19 vaccine would cause the body and immune system to attack the other spike protein (syncytin-1) and harm fertility. These two spike proteins are different. Receiving the COVID-19 vaccine does not affect the fertility of women hoping to conceive, including through in vitro fertilization (IVF).
Further, when Pfizer was testing vaccines, 23 women volunteer participants became pregnant and did not experience issues with fertility because of the vaccine. The only one who tragically suffered a pregnancy loss did not receive the vaccine, instead receiving the placebo.
Report SARS-CoV-2 spike protein seropositivity from vaccination or infection does not cause sterility published in the American Society for Reproductive Medicine Journal Fertility & Sterility Reports debunks this myth of sterility at the hands of the vaccine.
Randy Morris, M.D. used IVF frozen embryo transfer (FET) to understand the impact of COVID-19 seropositivity (presence of a serological marker for SARS-CoV-2 in the blood) on embryo implantation. He did this by comparing the implantation rates for SARS-CoV-2 vaccine seropositive (received vaccine), infection seropositive (previously infected with COVID-19), and seronegative women. The study found no difference in maternal serum hCG levels after an embryo transfer or sustained implantation rates across the three groups. Serum hCG levels were measured because human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is produced by placental syncytiotrophoblasts following embryo implantation and can be used in the early detection of pregnancy.
The research shows that seropositivity to the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, whether from vaccination or previous infection with COVID-19, did not hinder embryo implantation or the early stages of pregnancy. Neither infection with COVID-19 nor antibodies produced from the vaccine will cause female sterility. Infection with the disease, however, may have an impact on pregnancy and the mother’s health.
“We hope that all reproductive-aged women will be more confident getting the COVID-19 vaccine, given Dr. Morris’s findings that the vaccine does not cause female sterility,” said Hugh Taylor, M.D., president of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine. “This, and other studies of this nature, further reinforce the ASRM COVID Task Force guidance that, no matter where you are in the family-building process, the COVID-19 vaccine is safe and saves lives.”
Sources
Being pregnant during Covid-19 may be stressful and induce anxiety in many soon-to-be moms. However, that doesn’t mean that it’s impossible to get through! We outlined some of the guidance the CDC has released for pregnant women during Covid-19 because the sharing of useful information during a time like this is CRUCIAL.
Are COVID-19 vaccines safe in pregnancy?
A. Probably yes.
B. Pregnancy and the COVID19 vaccine itself very much isn’t. It is very dangerous to pregnant women.
The impact of covid-19 on pregnant women has been a concern for many people. unfortunately, there isn’t too much data available because we’re still learning about the virus. THE CDC however suggests that pregnant individuals may be at a higher risk.
The CDC also states that the pregnant population could possibly suffer from adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as preterm birth. It is advised that pregnant individuals take the utmost caution during these stressful times and do not skip their prenatal care appointments.
Here is some data released by the CDC:
- 4,954 Pregnant women have been Hospitalized since January 22nd.
- 21,573 pregnant women have been diagnosed with covid in the U.S.A and there have been 48 deaths.
- Hispanic or Latino pregnant women seem to be heavily impacted
Being pregnant during the pandemic is unimaginably stressful. shout out to all those new moms out there! If you’re having a difficult time coping with the pandemic and the risks it imposes, you don’t have to go through this alone! Approach your physician with any questions.
And of course-keep, yourself occupied! staying at home doesn’t mean you can’t have fun! Video call some of your pals or start picking out that wallpaper for the nursery! and most important-stay safe. Wear a mask and wash your hands regularly for twenty seconds.
References:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/pregnancy-breastfeeding.html