Temporary impairment of semen quality following recent acute fever

The impact of an acute fever on semen variables is unclear. This paper reports negative effects and recovery of the sperm quality in a man who had an acute fever of 38°-39°C, due to a throat infection. The study evaluated the sperm quality in semen specimens collected, as follows: 1) one month before the fever; 2) 1-day after the fever; 3) 20 days after antimicrobial therapy. The first and third specimens were quite similar for all semen parameters. However, the second specimen showed unexpected results: not only a decrease in the sperm count, but also an increase of small-head sperm. This study aims to discuss this finding's implications for clinical and laboratory practice.