Examining the evidence between vaccination and assisted reproductive technology outcomes
For couples undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART), the decision to get vaccinated against COVID-19 was often fraught with anxiety. Widespread misinformation suggested vaccines might impair fertility, creating a painful dilemma for those pursuing in vitro fertilization (IVF) and other fertility treatments. Now, several years of rigorous scientific investigation provide clear, reassuring answers.
This article explores the compelling evidence from systematic reviews and clinical studies examining the relationship between COVID-19 vaccination and the success of assisted reproduction, offering evidence-based clarity to prospective parents.
No significant difference between vaccinated and unvaccinated groups
Male vaccination also shows no impact on pregnancy outcomes
Studies cover mRNA and inactivated vaccines with consistent results
Researchers use precise, measurable outcomes to assess fertility treatment success. Key indicators include:
A major 2022 systematic review and meta-analysis published in the journal Vaccine analyzed 29 studies from multiple countries. The comprehensive investigation concluded: "There is no scientific proof of any association between COVID-19 vaccines and fertility impairment in men or women" 3 . This finding forms the bedrock of the current scientific consensus.
Professional medical organizations worldwide, including the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) and the CDC, have aligned their recommendations with this evidence, stating there is no link between COVID-19 vaccination and fertility problems 8 9 .
While many early studies focused on mRNA vaccines, a significant prospective cohort study published in 2025 specifically investigated the inactivated COVID-19 vaccine, which has been widely used globally 1 .
The core results provided clear evidence for the safety of vaccination in an ART context 1 .
| Outcome Measure | Vaccinated Group | Unvaccinated Group | Statistical Significance (P-value) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live Birth Rate | 41.23% | 44.08% | 0.555 (Not Significant) |
| Clinical Pregnancy Rate | 52.61% | 54.98% | 0.625 (Not Significant) |
| Ongoing Pregnancy Rate | 49.76% | 51.18% | 0.770 (Not Significant) |
| Biochemical Pregnancy Rate | 62.56% | 63.98% | 0.762 (Not Significant) |
The data showed no significant differences in the most critical outcomes for hopeful parents. The researchers also found "no significant disparities in terms of embryo development and laboratory parameters between the groups" and concluded that "male vaccination had no impact on patients' pregnancy outcomes in ART treatments" 1 .
This study's findings are particularly powerful because it tracked live births, the ultimate goal of fertility treatment, and accounted for the vaccination status of both partners.
The reassuring findings are consistent across different vaccine types and patient populations.
A study of 45 healthy men found no significant changes in sperm characteristics after vaccination 8 .
| Sperm Characteristic | Pre-Vaccination | Post-Vaccination | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sperm Concentration | 26.0 million/mL | 26.8 million/mL | Not Significant |
| Progressive Motility | 44.0% | 43.0% | Not Significant |
A 2025 Chinese cohort study of 1,258 women found vaccination did not affect IVF-ET outcomes 6 .
| Outcome Measure | Vaccinated Group | Unvaccinated Group | P-value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilization Rate | Comparable | Comparable | > 0.05 |
| High-Quality Blastocyst Rate | Comparable | Comparable | > 0.05 |
| Live Birth Rate (Fresh Transfer) | Comparable | Comparable | > 0.05 |
Interactive chart showing comparative pregnancy outcomes across studies
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Understanding the tools and terms used by scientists helps in interpreting study results.
| Concept/Reagent | Function & Importance in Research |
|---|---|
| Propensity Score Matching (PSM) | A statistical method used to create comparable study groups, ensuring that any differences in outcomes (like birth rates) are due to the factor being studied (vaccination) and not other variables (like age). |
| Gonadotrophin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH) Agonist/Antagonist | Medications used to control the timing of ovulation during an IVF cycle, creating a standardized protocol for studying ovarian response. |
| Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) | A key blood test that measures ovarian reserve, helping researchers control for a woman's baseline fertility potential. |
| Semen Analysis | The cornerstone of male fertility assessment, measuring semen volume, sperm concentration, motility, and morphology to evaluate vaccine impact. |
It is important to acknowledge that not every single study has found perfectly identical results. For instance, a 2025 ecological study from the Czech Republic noted lower conception rates among vaccinated women at a population level 2 . However, as the authors and other experts highlighted, such studies cannot prove cause and effect. The lower rates could be due to various behavioral factors—for example, women planning pregnancy might choose to delay vaccination, or vaccinated women might decide to wait before trying to conceive. These studies are considered "hypothesis-generating," while studies that track individuals (like the one featured here) provide higher-quality evidence 2 .
Furthermore, a 2024 systematic review did find an increased miscarriage rate in those with a history of COVID-19 infection, underscoring a critical point: the risks of the virus itself to pregnancy appear to be greater than any risk from the vaccine 5 . This aligns with public health data showing that getting COVID-19 during pregnancy increases the risk of severe illness and complications 9 .
The journey through infertility treatment is challenging enough without the added burden of unwarranted fear. The body of scientific evidence, from systematic reviews to large, well-designed clinical studies, delivers a consistent and reassuring message: COVID-19 vaccination does not harm fertility or negatively impact the success of assisted reproductive technologies like IVF.
For couples hoping to build their families, the evidence indicates that staying up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccination is a safe choice that protects their health and the health of any future pregnancy. As with any medical decision during this journey, consulting with a healthcare provider remains the best course of action, but they can now do so with the confidence that comes from robust, conclusive scientific data.
References would be listed here in the final implementation.