Impact of COVID-19 Vaccination on In Vitro Fertilization Outcomes: A Systematic Review.

Abstract

COVID-19 vaccination, especially vaccines that mimic the structure of the COVID-19 virus (mRNA vaccines), may be wrongly assumed to be disrupting factors affecting in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcome. This study aims to evaluate any significant impact of COVID-19 vaccination in women undergoing IVF to improve vaccine compliance and promote COVID-19 eradication. This was a systematic review study. We searched studies published between 2020 and 2022 using databases such as PubMed, Cochrane, PMC, and CINAHL. Selected studies were carefully analyzed to review the impact of the COVID-19 vaccine on IVF outcomes. Seven retrospective and prospective cohort studies, which involved 3232 female patients undergoing IVF, who also received full doses of COVID-19 vaccinations (mRNA), were included. All studies in the present review showed that despite presenting anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies after vaccination, there were no significant differences in IVF outcomes, implantation rates, and pregnancy rates. Contrary to the theory that presumed cross-reactivity between anti- SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and the human syncytin-1 protein could affect syncytiotrophoblast formation and embryo implantation. The present review concluded that COVID-19 vaccination does not result in any detrimental effects on IVF outcomes and is safe for women undergoing IVF treatment. The results of our study are important to tackle misinformation regarding COVID-19 vaccination and infertility that may cause vaccine hesitancy in women of reproductive age.