Study reveals that SARS-CoV-2 significantly impairs male fertility by reducing semen quality and altering reproductive hormone levels, with partial recovery post-treatment.
By Dr. Chinta SidharthanReviewed by Susha Cheriyedath, M.Sc.Sep 11 2024 The effects of SARS -CoV-2 on sperm health and hormone balance could have significant implications for long-term reproductive well-being.
Background The etiological agent of the COVID-19 pandemic, SARS-CoV-2, is a β-coronavirus that infects human cells by binding to the angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 receptor. The ACE-2 receptor is found in the lungs, kidneys, heart, and testes, making all these organs possible entry points for the virus.
Elevated prolactin and estrogen levels were observed in COVID-19 patients, suggesting hormonal disruption linked to the virus. For the studies included in the review, the outcomes consisted of measurements of conventional semen parameters such as sperm count, ejaculate volume, sperm concentration, morphology, motility, and viability of the sperm, as well as leukocyte levels in the seminal fluid. The outcomes also included the levels of the male reproductive hormones, including testosterone, estrogen, prolactin, luteinizing hormone , and follicle-stimulating hormone .
The study found that COVID-19 was significantly associated with decreased ejaculate volume, with sensitivity analyses confirming consistent reductions in ejaculate volume after SARS-CoV-2 infections. However, the sensitivity analyses showed that the difference in ejaculate volume before and after COVID-19 treatment was not statistically significant, indicating that the impact of treatment may be limited.
Fertility Hormone Semen Angiotensin Coronavirus Enzyme Estrogen Heart Leukocyte Lungs Morphology Pandemic Prolactin Receptor Reproductive Health Reproductive Hormones Research Respiratory SARS SARS-Cov-2 Severe Acute Respiratory Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Sperm Syndrome Testosterone Virus
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