The Notion That COVID Vaccines Lead to Infertility Is a Conspiracy Theory

From the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, evidence-based information has struggled against a wave of misleading myths and conspiracy theories. Sadly, in some online spaces, scientific facts are overshadowed, allowing false narratives to thrive. One of the latest myths to emerge revolves around the COVID vaccines—the very vaccines that are crucial for us to safely navigate out of this pandemic.

The claim in question is that COVID-19 vaccines can cause infertility in women. This idea, reminiscent of plotlines from popular shows during the pandemic, is entirely unfounded. To clarify, COVID-19 vaccines do not lead to infertility; this is simply a myth.

Leading medical organizations such as the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM) have issued clear statements debunking this claim. They state, “We assure patients that there is no evidence that the vaccine can lead to loss of fertility. While fertility was not specifically studied in the clinical trials of the vaccine, no loss of fertility has been reported among trial participants or the millions who have received the vaccines since their authorization, and no signs of infertility appeared in animal studies. Loss of fertility is scientifically unlikely.”

The Origin of the Myth

It can be challenging to trace the origins of a myth, but in this case, it appears to stem from a letter sent to the European Medicines Agency by individuals against vaccinations. They raised false concerns about the vaccine containing a protein known as Syncytin-1, which is essential for the human placenta. However, COVID-19 vaccines do not include this protein. The spike protein of the virus and Syncytin-1 share a minuscule segment of genetic code, but this similarity is irrelevant—like sharing a single digit of a phone number. If the remaining numbers don’t match, you won’t reach the intended recipient.

In addition to claiming that the vaccine includes the placenta protein, the myth suggests that the vaccine prompts the body to produce antibodies that would reject this protein, resulting in infertility. This notion is overwhelmingly false. The authors of the letter acknowledge that the vaccine does not create antibodies that would target the placenta protein.

Real-World Evidence

During the Pfizer clinical trial, over 37,000 participants were included, with 23 pregnancies reported—12 in the vaccinated group and 11 in the placebo group. This data indicates that the likelihood of pregnancy among vaccinated individuals is comparable to that of unvaccinated individuals, clearly showing that the vaccine does not have a negative effect.

Vaccines Are Safe for Expecting Parents

Dr. Thompson emphasizes that “the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG) currently states that the COVID-19 vaccine should not be withheld from pregnant patients.” Furthermore, she assures that those attempting to conceive should not be discouraged from getting vaccinated. The only exceptions are individuals who have specific contraindications to the vaccine, including those who have experienced adverse reactions. Dr. Thompson also noted that while there are no studies directly addressing this, it may be wise to wait out the common side effects for 1-2 days before trying to conceive.

The Risks of COVID During Pregnancy

The real concern lies in the myth itself. Vaccines do not cause infertility; however, pregnancy significantly increases the risk of severe COVID-19 outcomes. Research has demonstrated that pregnant individuals with COVID-19 face a greater chance of complications. Therefore, rather than avoiding vaccination, those planning to become pregnant should seek the vaccine as soon as possible. The risks associated with COVID-19 during pregnancy far exceed the fabricated concerns stemming from misinformation.

Immunity for Your Baby

Vaccination not only protects the pregnant individual but can also confer immunity to the baby. Dr. Thompson confirmed that there is evidence showing antibodies can be passed to the baby when the pregnant individual receives the vaccine either during pregnancy or prior.

In conclusion, the key takeaways are twofold: COVID-19 vaccines are safe and do not cause infertility. It’s crucial to be cautious about information found online; myths can spread rapidly. For accurate information regarding vaccines, fertility, and pregnancy, consult a healthcare provider and rely on credible sources. For further insights, you can also check out our related blog post here, or visit Make a Mom for expert guidance on fertility. Also, Resolve offers excellent resources for those exploring pregnancy and home insemination.

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Summary:

The belief that COVID-19 vaccines cause infertility is a conspiracy theory with no scientific backing. Major medical organizations confirm the vaccines are safe and do not impact fertility. Real-world evidence shows no increase in infertility rates among vaccinated individuals. It’s crucial for those planning to conceive to get vaccinated, as pregnancy heightens the risk of severe COVID-19. Vaccination can also provide immunity to newborns.