A Complete Guide to COVID-19 for Fertility Patients
Last reviewed: Tuesday, March 16, 2021
We are constantly updating the information below as new mandates and recommendations are supplied by the CDC and CT Department of Health. Make sure you bookmark this page so you can stay up to date on all RMA of CT COVID-19 policies and safety regulations. Check out our latest video below from Dr. Cynthia Murdock on all of the currently available COVID-19 vaccines, vaccine safety for patients trying to conceive or pregnant, and much more.
First and foremost, we want you to know that your health is our number one priority.
We are continuing to take COVID-19 seriously, and our patients’ concerns have been heard. We want to personally thank you all for your patience and cooperation during this time. RMA of CT is staying up to date about the role this virus is playing in our day to day lives, and we are doing everything we can to keep your safety and your fertility treatment our top priority.
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT: Please review the information below for the latest on how the current COVID-19 travel guidelines may relate to your treatment plan.
If you are currently a patient in treatment and live outside of the tri-state area (CT/NY/NJ), you can expect to hear from your care team regarding our most up-to-date protocol to keep your cycle/screening appointment as scheduled. We encourage you to review the complete guide to Connecticut's COVID-19 Travel Advisory, which includes helpful FAQs and a list of states currently affected by this advisory.
Office Hours
Norwalk:
7:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Monday - Friday, Weekends by appointment only
Danbury & Trumbull:
7:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Monday - Friday
Stamford:
6:45 AM – 3:00 PM
Monday - Friday
Our goal is to do our part in minimizing the spread of the virus while maintaining the needs of our patients.
All visits are by appointment only. No walk-in appointments will be permitted. Please call for an appointment or speak to your nurse or navigator via email or telephone with questions.
Please read through our current policies and procedures below. We do our best to give you all the facts about the status of COVID-19 and keep you up to date.
Want to jump to a specific section? Click the links below.
Curious about the COVID-19 vaccine? Let's talk.
It is recommended for anyone with the ability to get the COVID vaccine to do so. The vaccine is believed to be safe for those trying to conceive, pregnant, or breastfeeding.
For mRNA vaccines (Pfizer and Moderna), messenger instructions (mRNA) are sent to the cells and taught how to make a spike protein found on a COVID-19 virus cell, which ultimately prompts an immune response in our bodies and the creation of antibodies. As soon as the instructions are “read,” the body gets rid of them. For viral vector vaccines (Johnson & Johnson), a harmless, modified version of a different virus is injected into the body. Once that harmless version hits a cell, it uses the cells mechanics to then create the spike protein found in COVID-19, again prompting the creation of antibodies.
Common side effects of vaccination include pain and swelling at the injection site, fever, chills, tiredness, and headache. These symptoms may persist for a few days. Side effects may be more significant following the second injection.
COVID vaccines promote the natural creation of the antibodies needed to fight off the COVID-19 virus. This is done by teaching your body how to create a look-alike version of a protein found on the surface of COVID virus cells, triggering an immune response in the body. The body will remember how to replicate these antibodies in the future, should you be exposed to the virus.
Currently available mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna have documented safety and efficacy in large randomized clinical trials, preventing up to 95% of severe disease.
Available data indicate that COVID-19 vaccines do not cause infertility in women or men. In the randomized blinded Pfizer-BioNTech trial, a similar number of women conceived after receiving the vaccine as those who received the placebo. mRNA vaccines are taken up rapidly by muscle cells at the injection site and the mRNA is degraded in the cell once the protein is made so it does not cross the placenta. Because the COVID-19 mRNA vaccines are not composed of the live virus, they are not thought to cause an increased risk of infertility, first or second trimester loss, stillbirth, or congenital anomalies. COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for women who are contemplating pregnancy or who are pregnant in order to minimize risks to themselves and their pregnancy.
COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for women who are contemplating pregnancy or who are pregnant in order to minimize risks to themselves and their pregnancy. Patients who conceive in the window between the first and second dose of the vaccine should be offered the second dose of the vaccine at the appropriate interval.
We are still using video conferencing for all new patient appointments, nutrition counseling, genetic counseling, emotional support, and fertility coaching. All testing, bloodwork, procedures, and other in-person necessities will be conducted in the appropriate office.
Upon arrival at our office, please stay in your car. Our check-in process is now via text, as to limit the number of people in the office at one time. Please follow the prompts you will receive on the day of your appointment and only proceed into the office when notified.
Unfortunately, we cannot allow anyone other than the patient into our offices at this time. Of course, spouses and other support persons can attend your telehealth consultations, but for in-office visits, they will need to stay home.
Yes. All patients and staff are required to wear a surgical or cloth mask without a valve in our offices. We do ask that you bring your own mask from home - we do not provide them in our offices.
Gaiters, neck warmers, bandanas, and valve masks are not permitted.
That is our top concern, too. Your health and safety, as well as our staff's, is of utmost importance. We are screening our entire staff for signs of COVID-19 every day and are also screening all patients that enter the building. Upon arrival for your appointment, we will ask about your contact with the disease and any symptoms you may be experiencing. Additionally, we will take your temperature, and then finally, we will ask you to wash your hands. As mentioned above, we are also requiring everyone in the office to wear a mask.
We are doing everything we can to safely maintain our patients needs. Please read the "In-Office Protocol & Procedures" section below for more detailed information on how these adjusted policies may affect your treatment.
Possibly - we're requiring all patients who are undergoing anesthesia to be tested for the virus (procedures like egg retrievals and other surgeries). Why? Because COVID-19 compromises your respiratory system, and anesthesia can exacerbate that.
Presently, there is no evidence that you cannot or should not be pregnant during the COVID-19 outbreak. According to preliminary research, a fetus appears unaffected if a mother acquires COVID-19. But we’ll be completely honest, this is all very new. This research is based on a very small number of women and more information is needed to be sure of anything. However, the initial rounds of results are looking promising for pregnant women everywhere. ASRM and the CDC recommend avoiding pregnancy if you or your partner has COVID-19 or have been exposed simply because of the unknowns, not because of any foreseen adverse reactions.
As a fertility patient, you’ve heard the term “just relax” so many times, you’ve lost count. So, we will never tell you to not be nervous, or to calm down. This outbreak is a big deal, and it seems like it’s all anyone talks about. We completely understand your concerns. What we will say, though, is that we’re here for you.
Please know that we would never advise you to do something you’re not comfortable with or something that’s contraindicated. We are in your corner and are keeping up with the science, technology, and health risks of it all so that we can best care for you and your needs.
If you are coming into our office for a scheduled appointment, please take note of the following protocol we are enforcing.
If you have been exposed to anyone with COVID-19, please let us know immediately. We ask the same of our staff. If you have been exposed, you most likely will not be able to continue treatment in your current cycle. We apologize in advance, but we must be safe and follow the regulations set up by state and federal agencies.
We understand that some of these changes may be difficult, but they are necessary to keep everyone safe and maintain our ability to continue to provide fertility care.
Thank you for your ongoing patience and understanding as we navigate the best, safest path forward.
Sincerely,
Your Fertility Care Team
RMA of Connecticut
According to the CDC, people with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported - ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus.
People with these symptoms may have COVID-19:
Let’s take every precaution we can so that our patients, staff, and extended families stay safe:
*Quick note: We are working on innovating our greetings during this time! 🖖🙏👋
If you have a question about your personal health before coming in for a scheduled appointment or morning monitoring, please call your nurse or navigator.
Otherwise, we recommend staying up to date with the following resources:
If you are interested in booking a virtual appointment at this time, but still have a few questions, please call us at 203-956-2265, or click the button below to submit your question(s).
