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Al-Bdairi AA, Makki HA, Shawki O, Alkhudair SH, Al-Hilli NM, Alkhalidi BA, Alkadhim HK, Shweliyya AA. The Multi-faceted Effects of COVID-19 on Female Reproductive Health: An Updated Narrative Review. Cureus 2024; 16:e57944. [PMID: 38738039 PMCID: PMC11082527 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.57944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Concerns about the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic's possible impact on sexual and reproductive health have grown significantly. In this narrative review, the latest research on the effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection on several facets of sexual and reproductive health is reviewed. The review starts initially by going through the possible consequences of SARS-CoV-2 on female menstrual cycles. The virus may interfere with the menstrual cycle, which could affect hormone synthesis and endometrial reactions, according to newly available evidence. Menstrual blood loss may be impacted by COVID-19's potential to influence endothelial cell function and systemic hemostasis. Hypothalamic amenorrhea may be brought on by severe COVID-19 disease. There is little research on this subject, although most women resume their regular menstrual cycles after 1-2 months of recuperation. The review also examines how SARS-CoV-2 infection may affect assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatments. There are few clinical data, although some research points to potential effects on embryo quality. Overall, ART results, however, did not materially change from the time before the epidemic. Obstetric problems are more likely when SARS-CoV-2 infection occurs during pregnancy, especially in the third trimester. Even though the maternal death rate is still low, pregnant women, especially those with comorbidities, are more likely to experience serious sickness. The review emphasizes how the COVID-19 vaccine affects menstrual cycles, showing brief, modest modifications without serious health hazards. Also included are the psychological effects of family planning choices during the pandemic. In conclusion, this narrative review offers a thorough assessment of the complicated and changing effects of SARS-CoV-2 on sexual and reproductive health. The different requirements of people and couples during and after the pandemic are highlighted, underscoring the necessity for ongoing study and specialized healthcare practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adnan A Al-Bdairi
- Infertility, Assisted Reproductive Technologies, Teba IVF and Genetic Center, Babylon, IRQ
| | - Hayder A Makki
- Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Babylon, Babylon, IRQ
| | - Osama Shawki
- Gynecology Surgery, School of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, EGY
| | - Sallama H Alkhudair
- Fertility, Assisted Reproductive Technology, Alzaitoon Specialized Fertility Center, Baghdad, IRQ
| | - Nadia M Al-Hilli
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, University of Babylon, Babylon, IRQ
| | - Batool A Alkhalidi
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, University of Kufa, Najaf, IRQ
| | - Hanan K Alkadhim
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Iraqi Fertility Society, College of Medicine, University of Babylon, Babylon, IRQ
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Aftab N, Fahad A, Al Hammadi S, Tahlak M, Badawi F, Al Mulai I, Faraz S, Malik S, Mohammed P, Maqbool S, Fatima Z, Osman E. Effects of the COVID-19 Infection on Women's Menstrual Cycle: A Retrospective Study at Latifa Hospital, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Cureus 2023; 15:e51391. [PMID: 38292982 PMCID: PMC10825384 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.51391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The COVID-19 pandemic has affected all of us in one way or another. The menstrual cycle is a reflection of the female reproductive system, and it is influenced by various factors including stress and infections. Although there is little information available about how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected women's reproductive health, it has had a significant impact on women. Objective The main objective of our study is to identify if there are any menstrual disturbances following COVID-19 infection in women. Study design Our study is a retrospective study wherein 700 women recovering from COVID-19 infection were asked about any new menstrual disturbances after the infection. We collected the data using questionnaires and analyzed the data using Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS, version 26) (IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Armonk, NY). Results Our study showed no dysmenorrhea in 90% of the participants, 81% reported no change in menstrual flow rate, a vast majority (93%) denied experiencing amenorrhea, only 4% reported a new onset of intermenstrual bleeding, and 1% reported postmenopausal bleeding. Conclusion There was no significant change in the participants' menstrual cycle following COVID-19 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nighat Aftab
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Latifa Women and Children Hospital, Dubai Academic Health Corporation, Dubai, ARE
| | - Asma Fahad
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Dubai Academic Health Corporation, Dubai, ARE
| | | | - Muna Tahlak
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Latifa Women and Children Hospital, Dubai Academic Health Corporation, Dubai, ARE
| | - Faiza Badawi
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Latifa Women and Children Hospital, Dubai Academic Health Corporation, Dubai, ARE
| | - Israa Al Mulai
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Latifa Women and Children Hospital, Dubai, ARE
| | - Saima Faraz
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Latifa Women and Children Hospital, Dubai Academic Health Corporation, Dubai, ARE
| | - Sofia Malik
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Latifa Women and Children Hospital, Dubai Academic Health Corporation, Dubai, ARE
| | - Parveen Mohammed
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Latifa Women and Children Hospital, Dubai Academic Health Corporation, Dubai, ARE
| | - Sadia Maqbool
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Dubai Academic Health Corporation, Dubai, ARE
| | - Zoiya Fatima
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Latifa Women and Children Hospital, Dubai Academic Health Corporation, Dubai, ARE
| | - Esraa Osman
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Latifa Women and Children Hospital, Dubai Academic Health Corporation, Dubai, ARE
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