We are in the middle of the vaccination phase against Covid-19 of the Spanish population. The process already reaches younger and younger age groups in some autonomous regions. Vaccination advances and also the doubts that you transmit to us about the effects of the vaccine against Covid-19 and fertility. We already have more information and this is increasingly reassuring. IVI has already released its position on the matter. However, new data and studies are constantly emerging and we wanted to synthesize the news on this topic. Doctor Antonio Requena, IVI Medical Director, answers some of the most frequently asked questions about the vaccine, pregnancy and effects on menstruation and fertility.
Can the vaccine affect fertility in men or women?
There is no evidence of a harmful effect of the Covid-19 vaccine on fertility. While it is true that the population of childbearing age has recently been vaccinated and there are insufficient data. We do know that there are some minimal and specific effects on menstruation and breasts, in the case of women.
No conclusive information is collected in this regard in the technical data sheet of the different vaccines. These minimal alterations are being studied in Spain, for example, by the University of Granada, without, for the moment, having definitive conclusions. In summary, at the moment it cannot be said that vaccines increase infertility in women because there is no evidence to ratify it.
In the same way, adolescents who are beginning to be vaccinated should not fear for their fertility. Instead, the reasons why this group should be vaccinated seem obvious.
On the other hand, according to a recent study with data from a few weeks ago from the Spanish Agency for Medicines and Health Products (AEMPS)It seems that it is the woman who registers the most adverse effects. These are generally mild, including headaches, arm swelling, or fever. In addition, in the USA there is a study carried out on pre and post vaccine semen and no alteration has been described in men.
Can I get vaccinated if I am taking hormonal contraceptives?
The pharmaceutical companies that are marketing the vaccines that we have in Spain do not refer at this time to any type of contraindication or alteration in the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives, in the case of women who are taking them and are vaccinated. Therefore, in principle and today, there is no scientific evidence that makes us think that the vaccine is contraindicated in people who take contraceptives.
What are the changes in menstruation or breast enlargement due to?
The regularity of the menstrual cycle is very sensitive to external factors. It is proven that periods of stress or a change in diet favor alterations in menstruation in women on a recurring basis. Therefore, a priori, this time we should not be concerned either.
Although there is no scientific evidence to support us at the moment, we do know that 77% of the almost 33,000 adverse effects detected after punctures occur in women. These are generally mild in nature. This is how the last one picks it up AEMPS Pharmacovigilance report, which collects data until July 20,
With regard to the menstrual cycle, these specific alterations could be related to some component of the vaccine and not due to a physiological reason. For now, specific alterations in menstruation are known for one or two months after vaccination in some women and in principle it should not go beyond there. If these alterations persist, it is advisable for the woman to consult her gynecologist.
I am pregnant, when should I get vaccinated?
The woman who is pregnant or looking for a pregnancy should be vaccinated as soon as possible and also, be very strict with prevention measures to avoid getting Covid.
In the case of pregnant women, there is evidence that pregnant women can have a more aggressive process if they get Covid and even premature births. Therefore, there is general agreement in the scientific community that this population should be vaccinated as soon as possible and at any time during pregnancy. In the same way, immediate vaccination is recommended if you are in the process of seeking pregnancy. We have information on vaccination in the United States, which has been more accelerated, where it has been seen that pregnant women who have been vaccinated at any time during pregnancy have had a completely normal pregnancy development.
Should I notify that I am pregnant or nursing when I am going to get the vaccine?
Yes, it is advisable to notify the pregnancy so that the appropriate vaccine is administered. For example, in lactating women mRNA vaccines are recommended, which are Pfizer or Moderna. The vaccine is highly recommended in lactating women because they also pass the antibodies against Covid to the baby and this protects them. That is, when a nursing mother is vaccinated, she vaccinates her child as well.
This also happens with pregnant women. Antibodies have been detected in newborns of mothers who had previously been vaccinated. This is because, through the placenta, there is a passage of antibodies against Covid-19 from the mother to the fetus.
I am undergoing fertility treatment, when should I get vaccinated?
You should also do it as soon as possible. In fertility treatments we recommend preventive medicine. Thus, just as we recommend getting vaccinated against rubella or completing any vaccination that has been left with an incomplete schedule before pregnancy, we recommend getting vaccinated against Covid-19.
