Worldwide, COVID-19 has taken a toll on people since its outbreak, forcing them to stay home for their own and other’s safety.
Initially, it was thought that the coronavirus attacks the respiratory system, but as the pandemic progressed, there is growing evidence that the virus also affects the heart, kidneys, and nervous system.
But, does the virus have any effect on the male reproductive system? Does it cause infertility in men?
Men’s XP got in touch with Dr. Vimal Dassi, urologist at Max Hospital, India, who explained what happens to male fertility post-COVID.
“There has been a concern among the medical fraternity whether COVID-19 can involve the reproductive system thereby impacting fertility in men,” he told Men’s XP. “However, it is not unusual for viruses to involve the male reproductive tract. Mumps & HIV virus are known to do that.”
Citing some studies, Dr. Dassi said the virus was found in the testis of some men. “Some studies have also confirmed the presence of this virus in the testis,” he added. “Testicular pain, which could suggest viral orchitis, was observed in several works, with an incidence of up to 19% percent of patients.”
“Pathological signs of inflammation were found in 60.9% of testicular biopsies performed in one study.”
Does COVID-19 affect male fertility?
A study published in January 2021 in the journal Reproduction has suggested that the COVID-19 infection appears to impair semen quality.
However, Dr. Dassi said, “This was a relatively small study consisting of 84 infected men. All semen parameters, including concentration, motility and shape, were adversely impacted as compared to the control group. In addition, there was an increase in markers of inflammation and oxidative stress – that are known to harm sperm function.”
Does a COVID vaccine affect men’s fertility?
Well, the currently available vaccines do not seem to affect men’s fertility. A study by the researchers at the University of Miami examined 45 men before and after they received the vaccines. They found that the “semen volume and sperm motility significantly increased.”
If COVID-19 can affect semen quality, can it be transmitted sexually?
Dr. Dassi told Men’s XP, “While many studies have confirmed a negative effect of COVID-19 on men’s fertility, none of them has been able to establish that COVID can be sexually transmitted.”
“A study published in PubMed shows a statistically significant reduction in testosterone levels and sperm quality in patients affected with COVID-19,” he explained. “In many cases, though the tests were conducted during active disease and long-term consequences are still not known.” The article was originally published June 26 in Men’s XP – India’s largest men’s lifestyle destination.
