The Covid-19 pandemic is changing the way many medical treatments take place. From cancelled appointments to delayed treatments to telephone consultations, there are many safeguarding measures being taken to help with the health and safety of patients and staff at most medical practices. For patients taking part in in vitro fertilization, medical practices will likely have important measures in place to safeguard everyone.
Fertility treatments
Having any type of struggle with fertility can be a constant worry on a hopeful parent’s mind. There are many different processes and treatments available that can help with fertility struggles. For example, in vitro, fertilization is one technique that helps an egg get fertilized and then be returned to the womb. Other treatments include fertility preservation, timed intercourse and intrauterine insemination.
These treatments and techniques to assist with fertility are very helpful for many people. With the health and safety of patients being an imperative aspect of successful fertility treatments, it is no wonder medical practices around the globe are putting additional safety measures in place to help prevent the spread of the current virus. Social distancing is important in many areas, but there are extra measures that must take place for any in-person medical appointments.
Preparing for appointments
Wherever possible, appointments for any fertility-related procedures will likely take place via telephone. This measure will be in place for the time being at many practices. Telephone consultations like this only work for appointments where patients do not need to be physically examined or scanned. This type of appointment will likely be follow-ups and general reviews where patients are free to ask questions and help prepare them for what is next.
Of course, there will be appointments that the patient needs to be at in person. For these appointments, the patient will likely be called the day before the appointment. During this call, the staff will check that the patient is well and is showing no signs of the virus. This is a good time for patients to ask any last-minute questions relating to the upcoming appointment and what further safety precautions will take place.
Upon arriving at the treatment center, patients will likely be screened again before entering the waiting room. It’s important to share any symptoms you are having for the safety of everyone. It will help to arrive as close to your appointment time as possible, so you don’t have to wait too long in the waiting room. The waiting room itself will be set up with social distancing precautions in place, such as certain seats blocked off to ensure everyone is the appropriate distance away from each other. You may also be limited to how many people can attend the appointment with you.
Don’t worry if staff greet you with a face mask on. This is for your protection. This doesn’t mean the staff member is showing any virus symptoms–it is just an additional precaution. With these extra safety measures in place, things will hopefully begin to settle so everyone can get back to their regular treatments and routines.