KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The COVID-19 pandemic is having a big impact on couples hoping to get pregnant.
Currently, in vitro fertilization treatments, also known as IVF, have been halted along with other elective procedures after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released guidelines recommending all non-essential medical procedures be put on hold.
The American Society for Reproductive Medicine also recommends suspending new cycles of IVF and egg retrievals. The organization is also recommending couples consider canceling embryo transfers.
Laura Rues has worked as a naturopathic doctor for Kansas City Integrative Health for six years. She works to help women get pregnant using natural means.
"A lot of what I'm trying to do is figure out why aren't you able to get pregnant," Rues said. "I use dietary changes, lifestyle changes, vitamins, minerals, supplements, herbs."
Rues said she's starting to get calls from couples looking for other options now that IVF isn't an option.
"There's a sense of urgency, absolutely, especially for some of the older couples, because there is a time crunch to be had," Rues said.
According to Rues, a two- or three-month delay typically wouldn't affect most couples, but, for those approaching 40 years old, time is against them.
"If this ends up lasting three and six and 12 months, absolutely some women who probably could have gotten pregnant might not be able to by the end of this," Rues said.
Rues also said some women who originally wanted to get pregnant around this time are starting to second guess if they should.
"They're kind of just dragging their feet, because we don't know how coronavirus affects pregnancy and pregnant women," Rues said.
She said she's had a lot of success with the women she works with, especially those with ovulatory disorders.
Rues wants women in a bind to know that she's still working and available to answer their questions in the quest to start or add to their family.
