The University of Kansas Health System is treating a total of 22 COVID patients today, the same as yesterday. Other significant numbers:
- 6 with the active virus today, down from 8 yesterday
- 2 in ICU, same as yesterday
- 0 on ventilator, same as yesterday
- 16 hospitalized but out of acute infection phase, up from 14 yesterday
In-vitro fertilization (IVF) has helped bring more than one million babies into the world since it began in 1978. Today’s program focuses on one couple’s journey with IVF during the pandemic.
Key points from today’s guests:
Dr. Courtney Marsh, Reproductive Endocrinology and Fertility Specialist, The University of Kansas Health System
- With COVID, no one was stopped in IVF treatment, but we did have to pause some things due to the pandemic. However, telehealth became much more prevalent, which was a plus.
- We have seen growth during the pandemic for IVF, which has been a surprise. Building a family has seemed to be more of a priority now.
- Cost is an issue for some, but there are letters you can write to your employers to ask about covering this treatment.
- It can be an emotional process – one of the most emotional times a couple can go through. We offer psychologists that specialize in support for couples undergoing fertility.
- In terms of age limits, success rates go down in your 40s. There are no hard age cut-offs for IVF.
- The number one determinant of success rates with fertility is the age of the eggs. Sperm health is also important as well.
- IVF is only one service we provide. We help other couples conceive without IVF with many other options beyond IVF.
- Fertility is NOT disrupted on the male or female side with vaccinations.
Erin and Josh Wiercinski, Parents Through IVF
- The process of IVF is a timing game. When COVID-19 came into the pandemic, that changed the timeline even more.
- It becomes a full-time job to manage medications and doctor appointments.
- The stigma of having fertility issues can weigh on you. Even when others try to offer comments to help, it can be difficult to hear.
- Our biggest challenge was emotionally and dealing with the unknown. Relying on the support system – family, friends, and medical team – was essential. You are not alone.
The program also covered migraines and recent COVID news. Highlights include:
Dr. Deetra Ford, Neurologist, The University of Kansas Health System
- It is not uncommon to see migraines running in families. Typically, if someone has migraines, there’s someone else in that family who has them as well.
- Currently, there are FDA-approved medications for migraines, but different treatments work differently for different patients with migraines.
- Taking medications and participating in clinical trials can help.
- Talk with your physician about the best treatment options for you.
Dr. Dana Hawkinson, medical director of Infection Prevention and Control, The University of Kansas Health System
- COVID numbers are lower locally, but we are keeping an eye on some other regions with some higher numbers, including some higher hospitalization numbers in the Northeast
- If your children are able to be vaccinated, please get them vaccinated. Newer studies are showing that they have a significantly lower chance of having severe COVID and going to the hospital.
- On the new court order to block federal mask mandates on transportation: from a medical perspective, masks continue to work. It is important to continue to mask in high-risk situations, especially if you are at high-risk.
Friday, April 22 at 8:00 a.m. is the next Morning Medical Update. Journalists covering the pandemic had more than the virus to overcome. How did they keep staff safe and cut through the misinformation? We’re joined by several area newsroom leaders and news anchors to learn what happened behind the scenes when covering a once in a lifetime pandemic.
ATTENTION: media procedure for joining:
Zoom link: https://kumc-ois.zoom.us/j/7828978628
Telephone Zoom link: 1-312-626-6799, meeting ID: 782 897 8628
TVU Grid link: UoK_Health_SDI
Restream links: Facebook.com/kuhospital
YouTube.com/kuhospital
Send advance questions to medicalnewsnetwork@kumc.edu.
