Since the end of 2022, there has been a notable rise in the population of individuals infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in China, prompting concerns regarding public health. The widespread expression of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), a receptor for SARS-CoV-2, in the male and female reproduction systems, indicates that coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) may potentially impact the reproductive function of childbearing aged couples. SARS-CoV-2 infection might impair oocyte quality by influencing the follicular microenvironment [1] and inducing oxidative stress [2]. Furthermore, the co-expression of ACE2 and transmembrane protease serine subtype 2 (TMPRSS2) in fertilized oocytes and blastocyst trophectoderm cells raised concerns regarding the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on early-stage embryo development [3]. Nevertheless, the current studies do not provide robust evidence to elucidate the impact and duration of COVID-19 infection on female fertility.

Studies have been conducted to investigate the correlation between SARS-CoV-2 infection and assisted reproductive technology (ART) outcomes in infertile couples. Both SARS-CoV-2 infection during and prior to ART may negatively affect oocyte- and embryo-related outcomes, such as the number of retrieved and mature oocytes, oocyte utilization rate, top-quality embryos/blastocysts, and blastocyst formation [1], [3], [4], [5]. Of these, Wang et al. reported that there was no significant association between SARS-CoV-2 infection and clinical pregnancy or early miscarriage [5]. Limited research has explored the influence of the time interval between SARS-CoV-2 infection and subsequent in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles on ART outcomes. A study by Huang et al., involving 451 women, concluded that ART treatment could be initiated at any time post-infection without influencing reproductive outcomes [6]. A self-controlled study suggested that undergoing IVF treatment 8–92 days after recovering from SARS-CoV-2 infection resulted in a decrease in top-quality embryo rates, thus proposing a postponement of ART treatment for at least three months following COVID-19 [7]. Conversely, another study demonstrated that a history of SARS-CoV-2 infection more than 180 days prior to oocyte retrieval had a detrimental effect on oocyte yield [2].

Currently, there is a lack of consensus regarding the optimal duration of ART treatment following SARS-CoV-2 infection to achieve favorable embryonic and clinical outcomes. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the impact of varying intervals between SARS-CoV-2 infection and IVF treatment on ART outcomes.