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Ensuring safety during a pandemic brings up numerous concerns about whether and when visiting a doctor is essential—and if so, what extra precautions patients should take to protect themselves. Office visits are now more complex due to the risk of COVID-19 exposure and the need to balance the demands of an overwhelmed healthcare system.
This also applies to reproductive healthcare. We contacted Jennifer L. Stanley, D.O., a board-certified OB/GYN at Houston Methodist Hospital, via email to address some of our queries.
“Our top priority right now is to deliver the care you require while ensuring your safety and reducing your exposure to COVID-19,” Stanley explains.
Prenatal care
During pregnancy, patients usually have frequent appointments with their healthcare provider. A healthy pregnancy typically involves 10-15 visits.
Many OB/GYN practices nationwide have adapted by incorporating telemedicine visits, Stanley notes. “Telemedicine allows us to significantly decrease the number of in-person visits for healthy pregnant patients.”
For patients without medical complications, this means some consultations will now take place over the phone.
However, patients with conditions like high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, or pre-eclampsia need more frequent visits. It remains crucial for them to maintain regular communication and care with their doctor.
“Our top priority is ensuring the safety of our pregnant patients by reducing their risk of virus exposure,” Stanley explained. This involves utilizing telemedicine where suitable and taking precautions for essential in-office visits. Precautions include pre-visit symptom screening and reorganizing patient flow to maintain proper physical distancing.
Remember, we are navigating a fast-changing situation, so guidelines may shift weekly or even daily. It’s crucial to call ahead of your appointment to clarify what steps you and your provider should take to ensure safety.
Regarding childbirth, hospitals are implementing various measures to minimize exposure risks. It’s vital to discuss these with your doctor and plan accordingly. Key questions include whether a birth partner or doula is permitted, how hospitals screen for COVID-19, and protocols for isolating mothers and newborns from the general hospital population.
IUD or implant removal
For those planning to remove an IUD or birth control implant, the procedure can be postponed if necessary.
“Delaying the removal of an IUD or implant poses no direct risks,” Stanley stated. “These devices are constructed from materials that are safe for the body.” The primary concern with postponing removal is the risk of pregnancy. If the implant has expired, the best approach is to delay removal while using an alternative birth control method, like condoms.
Accessing contraceptives
Contraceptives such as pills, patches, or Nuvaring can be obtained through telemedicine. “Many contraceptive options are available at local pharmacies and can often be prescribed after a brief telemedicine consultation with your OB/GYN,” Stanley explained. A telemedicine visit can be conducted via phone or video chat, eliminating the need for an in-person appointment.
Services like Nurx can mail prescriptions directly to you, and many pharmacies now offer prescription delivery as well.
Abortion access
States like Ohio and Texas, which already enforce strict abortion restrictions, have used the pandemic as justification to halt abortion services, classifying them as elective procedures. Planned Parenthood and other Texas abortion providers are legally contesting Texas’ decision.
“Planned Parenthood health centers are focused on ensuring everyone can access essential healthcare while conserving critical resources,” stated Alexis McGill-Johnson, acting president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Federation of America, during a press call on March 25.
As highlighted by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists in a statement, “Abortion is a vital part of comprehensive healthcare. It is also time-sensitive, and delays of even a few weeks—or sometimes days—can increase risks or render it entirely unavailable. The inability to access abortion has profound effects on a person’s life, health, and well-being.”
If a patient requires a safe and accessible abortion, options may be limited but still available. A first step is to contact your local Planned Parenthood office to explore your choices. Planned Parenthood clinics remain open, with new safety measures in place to protect patients. Options vary by location, so reaching out to a clinic is the best way to obtain current information.
Navigating healthcare in a rapidly evolving situation
Each day of this health crisis introduces new changes and challenges. As the situation evolves, recommendations may also shift. That’s why it’s crucial to maintain open communication with your doctor, ensuring you stay informed about their strategies to reduce exposure while continuing to deliver the healthcare you require.
