Do People with Hepatitis C Need IVF?

Hepatitis C is a viral infection that damages the liver and causes chronic inflammation. Unfortunately, this virus has worse effects on certain groups, including pregnant women and babies born to them. Therefore, women with hepatitis C (and those at risk of getting it) should take the necessary tests before getting pregnant and follow their doctors’ advice carefully. Note that some women with hepatitis C cannot conceive naturally, so they need assisted reproductive technologies such as IVF and ICSI.

In this article by Raadina Health, we explain how women with hepatitis C can get pregnant with the help of IVF, how they can prevent the transmission of the virus, and what the benefits of assisted reproductive technologies are.

What Is Hepatitis C? How Does It Affect the Body and Fertility?

As mentioned earlier, hepatitis C is a viral infectious disease. It is usually transmitted when a healthy person comes into contact with the blood of an infected person. As soon as the virus enters the body, it moves to the liver and attacks its cells. If it is not treated, it can lead to chronic inflammation, fibrosis (early stage of liver scarring), cirrhosis (severe and irreversible stage of liver scarring), and eventually liver cancer. In addition to damaging the liver, hepatitis C can affect the immune system, the thyroid gland, and the kidneys. It may also cause extreme fatigue and jaundice (the skin or the whites of the eyes turn yellow).

Moreover, hepatitis C can affect women’s fertility and hinder conception. Since this disease affects the liver’s function and hormone balance, it can cause irregular menstrual cycles, anovulation, and poor egg quality. All these factors lower the chance of a natural conception. Pregnant women with hepatitis C may also face preterm birth, low birth weight (baby weighs less than 2,500 grams), and transmission of the virus to the baby.

How Is Hepatitis C Transmitted from Mother to Baby?

Hepatitis C can pass from mother to baby both during pregnancy and delivery. The risk of mother-to-child transmission is about %6, so it is lower than that of hepatitis B (%10 to %20). Although the numbers are low, the mother should be under treatment and take tests regularly. After birth, the baby should also be monitored by a doctor so that he/she can get immediate treatment if needed.

Important Tips for Pregnant Women with Hepatitis C

Because hepatitis C can be harmful to both the mother and the baby, women should consider the following tips before trying to conceive and during pregnancy:

• All women should take tests for hepatitis C before pregnancy, especially those working or living in high-risk places, such as healthcare workers or women in prison.
• Women diagnosed with hepatitis C should receive pre-conception counseling. The doctor can then assess their liver health, fertility condition, and general health.
• They should undergo antiviral treatment before trying to conceive. Although modern antiviral drugs have fewer side effects, they are usually not recommended during pregnancy because they may hurt the fetus.
• During pregnancy, the mother’s liver health and immune system should be checked regularly to prevent preterm birth and preeclampsia.

Which One Is Better for Women with Hepatitis C? Natural Conception or IVF?

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a famous method for treating infertility. In this method, the woman’s egg and the man’s sperm are combined in a laboratory. After fertilization, the embryo is transferred to the woman’s uterus. Women with hepatitis C may need IVF in certain conditions, such as:

• When hepatitis has caused ovarian malfunction, hormone imbalance, or infertility.
• When liver failure or cirrhosis has affected the woman’s overall health and made natural conception almost impossible.
• When hepatitis C has reduced egg quality.
• When the risk of virus transmission is high. In such situations, the doctors prefer to examine the embryo before transferring it to the uterus.

Benefits of Using IVF for Women with Hepatitis C

In many cases, doctors recommend assisted reproductive technologies (especially IVF) to women living with hepatitis C. Here are the benefits of IVF for both the mother and the baby:

• Many women with hepatitis C deal with irregular ovulation, which makes natural conception very difficult for them. With IVF, the doctors can retrieve eggs manually and fertilize them with sperm in a lab.
• In IVF, the risk of passing the virus from mother to baby is almost %0, because embryos are checked and only the healthy ones are selected to transfer.
• Since natural conception is risky for women with liver disease, IVF reduces their stress and concerns.
• Some women need antiviral therapy and should not become pregnant until the treatment is finished. For them, IVF is the best option because the mother can easily plan for a safe pregnancy.
• If the mother is not medically ready for pregnancy, the created embryo can be frozen and transferred to the uterus at a better time.

Get a free consultation, precise treatment planning, dedicated support, and a personalized medical travel roadmap. Contact the experts at Raadina medical tourism company today.

Contact Us

Contact us for a free initial consultation about Pregnancy with HIV

WhatsApp Telegram Facebook Email

The Last Note

Hepatitis C is a significant viral condition that requires careful health management, particularly for women planning a pregnancy. While natural conception is sometimes possible under strict medical supervision, the potential for liver-related complications or fertility challenges often necessitates alternative approaches. For many, pursuing IVF in Iran offers a controlled environment where reproductive health can be closely monitored. By combining specialized assisted reproductive technologies with timely antiviral therapy and routine screening, it is possible to effectively manage health risks and ensure a safer journey toward parenthood.

FAQs

1) Does hepatitis C cause infertility?

Hepatitis C does not directly cause infertility, but it scars the liver and leads to its mal/dysfunction. Liver diseases can affect the menstrual cycle, egg quality, and fertility in general.

2) Can women with hepatitis C become pregnant?

Yes. If they get proper medical care and monitoring, they can have a successful pregnancy and give birth to healthy babies.

3) Should I get hepatitis C treatment during pregnancy?

No. Because antiviral medicines may affect the baby’s health. Antiviral treatment is usually started and completed before pregnancy.

4) Will babies get hepatitis C from their mother?

The risk of transmitting hepatitis C from mother to child is about %6, which is much lower compared to hepatitis B. To lower this risk, the mother should get the necessary treatments and be monitored throughout the pregnancy.

5) Can women with hepatitis C have a natural pregnancy?

Depending on their overall health, the condition of their uterus and ovaries, and the doctor’s opinion, they may be able to have a natural pregnancy. But the doctors usually recommend IVF to women living with hepatitis C.