Postponed or Canceled the IVF Treatment Due to Coronavirus’s Fear? I feel you!
By: Content Ethos
Tags: Newborn, Covid 19, Ivf Treatment, Motherhood, Pregnancy

7 Calls — “Unanswered.”

9 Messages — “Unread.”

WhatsApp Last Seen — “2 Days ago.”

This was me sweating and panicking, trying to reach my friend. After every unanswered call, I began to fear more. My palms were sweaty, and even though I wanted to think positively. It just didn’t help; instead, it got worse. :(

It was her IVF appointment two days ago. All I needed was to know how she was?

Just before the pandemic, we visited an IVF center as she was struggling with her maternal dreams. She even made me read her favorite quote hanging on the wall. “ Just Forget all the reasons it won’t work, and think of ONE reason it will.” Oh! God. I was continuously checking my WhatsApp, hoping to get lucky to get those two blue ticks.

I kept thinking about her excited face when she hugged me with tears in her eyes. I still remember that day; she said, “I will be a mom soon.” Finally, my phone rang, and it was her. Phewww! All I could hear was an inconsolable cry. I began to panic.

She told me the monstrous Coronavirus had put a pause on her dream to be a mother.

The Heart-Breaking Halt

Just like my friend, many couples are struggling to conceive. They, too, might have invested their hope and emotions in IVF. Many might have just signed up for the treatment or would be mid-way. After the pandemic, couples worldwide started doubting their decision with heavy hearts and tears in an utterly confused state. They weren’t sure whether to pause the procedure or to cancel it altogether.

Coronavirus doesn’t transfer from Mother to a child; many hospitals still advised patients to put the process on hold. Hospitals wanted to prevent exposure of infections to mothers and even embryos. It was risky for people working in laboratories. They might unknowingly infect the incubator. And spare a thought for someone relying on those preserved frozen embryos!! Imagine the embryos getting affected and destroying someone’s dream ufff.

It’s not just the virus.

Ever thought, many struggling couples do not say yes to IVF? It is not the trust. It’s the hole in the pocket.

In India, the cost per cycle of IVF treatment ranges from 1–1.25 Lakh. IVF is an expensive procedure, my friend. Not everyone’s cup of tea. Who had ever thought that pandemic would hit the country so hard, leaving many in a financial crisis? During lockdown and post, many of us lost our jobs. Businesses have barely survived. Many did not even get paid. :((

It raised a big question amongst the couples. Can we still afford the treatment? IVF procedures might become the second priority in the times to come. Don’t you think?

Clock is Ticking

IVF generally becomes the last resort for many failed attempts and options. Some waited too long to conceive naturally, while others went undiagnosed infertility for years. IVF is known to be a time-sensitive procedure. Sadly, Coronavirus has left them in an indefinite wait. Canceling or postponing the treatment can end in heart-wrenching losses.

Ahhh…. And God bless the ones in the middle of the cycle…!! The necessary scans and medicine are difficult to get due to travel restrictions. In other cases, depletion of folic reserves is also a concern.

Slipping through the hands

What if there is no PLAN B?

When the ONLY plan you have, is put on hold (that too indefinite), you start doubting your fate. When doubt kicks in, it is natural to feel anxious, whether your dream will ever come true or not.

Their hardest decision slowly started to slip away. They could not do anything, except to lose hope and feel unlucky.

Until the Sun rises again

Indeed easier said than done. I know I feel you! But if you are one of those struggling, you need to find a silver lining. Let’s hold on to hope for this beautiful journey called Life.

Use the time to prep your body for upcoming treatment. Strengthen yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally. Start a new workout regime, read a book, or meditate. Stay in touch with your doctor through online consultation.

To my friend,

Who took years to decide to go ahead with IVF only to have it canceled — I see you. You have all the reasons to get frustrated, upset, and even angry. You are allowed to feel all the feelings you are feeling right now.

I promise this will all be over & you will have your chance. There will be “those two pink lines.” Till then, hold yourself together, until the Sun rises again.