Female reproduction and abnormal uterine bleeding after COVID-19 vaccination

Abstract

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines have been widely administered throughout the global community to minimize the morbidity and mortality caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Although generally well-tolerated, these vaccines have generated some unwanted conse-quences, including thrombosis and menstrual irregularities. The effect of vaccination on female reproductive function has also been ques-tioned. The aim of this review is to give readers a clear understanding of the effects of COVID-19 vaccines on thrombosis, reproductive func-tion, and menstrual irregularities by systemically analyzing the available literature. The available evidence suggests that COVID-19 vaccines have a minimal impact on ovarian reserve. Furthermore, in vitro fertilization outcomes after COVID-19 vaccination remain unimpaired com-pared to those who did not receive the vaccines. Current evidence supports a certain degree of impact of COVID-19 vaccines on the menstru-al cycle, with the most frequent alteration being menstrual irregularity, followed by menorrhagia. These changes are generally well-tolerated and transient, lasting less than 2 months. This review, by providing information with up-to-date references on this issue, may enhance read-ers’ understanding of the impact of COVID-19 vaccines on female reproductive function and the menstrual cycle.