Letter to the Editor
Impact of COVID-19 infection on in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer volume in central Tokyo
2020 Volume 8 Issue 2 Pages 63-64
Details
2020 Volume 8 Issue 2 Pages 63-64
Numerous couples have postponed pregnancy in order to avoid the risk of infection, as well as for financial reasons due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This trend also applies to infertile couples. However, women nearing late reproductive age who cannot afford to wait are hesitating to delay treatment. Under such circumstances, a notice was posted by the Japan Society for Reproductive Medicine stating, “We recommend that patients are presented with postponement of infertility treatment as optional” before the government declared a state of emergency.1) In reality, however, many couples have continued to visit hospitals to receive infertility treatment. On the other hand, according to a survey conducted by the Japan Society of Fertilization and Implantation in May, the number of patients seeking infertility treatment at hospitals decreased in 75% of facilities, with a decrease by about 50% in 25% of facilities.2) The ratio of infertile to fertile couples is 1:5.5, and thus infertility treatment cannot be ignored in light of Japan’s declining birthrate. In this study, we examined the impact of COVID-19 on reproductive medicine and the number of births in central Tokyo where the infection rate has been relatively high.
Figures 1 and 2 compare the number of cases of in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) conducted last year and this year at the Kato Ladies Clinic, a high volume center, in Shinjuku, Tokyo. Although treatment at the clinic was not restricted, the treatment volume in April and May during the state of emergency decreased, with the volume for ET having dropped to less than half of last year. Although the volume recovered slightly after June, the number of cases of oocyte retrieval has remained high at 90% of last year’s number.
Oocyte retrieval volumes and percentage comparison.
The bar and line compare oocyte retrieval volumes and percentages for this year and last respectively.
Embryo transfer volumes and percentage comparison.
The bar and line compare embryo transfer volumes and percentages for this year and last respectively.
At Tokyo Women’s Medical University, a perinatal medical center in Shinjuku, nearly 20% of newborn babies are conceived by IVF-ET, and a decrease in IVF-ET would result in a reduced volume of deliveries for the following year. Factors contributing to the reduction in infertility treatment volumes cannot be determined based on data from medical institutions because prospective patients who decide not to proceed with treatment do not visit the institutions. Factors influencing such decisions may include COVID-19 infection risks as well as economic considerations. In addition to providing information to those who wish to become pregnant, social and financial support for infertility treatment, delivery, and childcare are required.
None.
The authors have no conflicts of interest to disclose.
