Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 16, 2025
04:22
Treatment Model for Young Patients with Psychogenic Erectile Dysfunction and Resultant Infertility
Published on: May 30, 2025
493
Severely low testosterone in males with COVID-19: A case-control study
Andrea Salonia1,2, Marina Pontillo3, Paolo Capogrosso1,4
1Division of Experimental Oncology/Unit of Urology, URI, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy.
Andrology
|February 26, 2021
Summary
Men with COVID-19 show significantly lower testosterone levels, often indicating secondary hypogonadism. Lower testosterone is linked to increased risk of severe outcomes like ICU admission and death.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Virology
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, or COVID-19, may impact circulating androgen levels.
- Understanding the role of androgens in COVID-19 pathogenesis and clinical outcomes is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare sex steroid levels in men with COVID-19 versus healthy controls.
- To investigate the association between serum testosterone levels (tT), COVID-19, and severe clinical outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Hormonal and clinical data were collected from 286 men with COVID-19 and 281 healthy men.
- Hypogonadism defined as tT ≤9.2 nmol/l; severe outcomes as ICU transfer or death.
- Multivariable regression models analyzed associations between COVID-19, testosterone levels, and clinical outcomes.
Main Results:
- COVID-19 patients had significantly lower luteinizing hormone (LH) and tT levels compared to controls (p < 0.0001).
- Hypogonadism (tT ≤9.2 nmol/l) was present in 89.8% of COVID-19 patients, mostly secondary.
- Lower tT levels were independently associated with increased risk of ICU admission and death (p ≤ 0.05).
Conclusions:
- SARS-CoV-2 infection is independently associated with secondary hypogonadism at hospital admission.
- Low testosterone levels predict more severe clinical outcomes in men with COVID-19.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Infertility in Males
407
Male infertility affects millions of couples worldwide, arising from various factors that impact different stages of the reproductive process. An endocrine imbalance resulting from conditions like hypogonadism, Klinefelter syndrome, or pituitary disorders can disrupt hormone levels and reduce sperm production. Testicular defects, such as tumors, cryptorchidism, atrophic testes, abnormal sperm morphology, and low sperm count or motility, may arise due to genetic factors, structural...
407
01:26Testosterone: Functions and Regulation
1.4K
The intricate hormonal interplay essential for male reproductive health begins with the release of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) by the hypothalamus. This hormone prompts the pituitary gland to secrete follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). LH targets the Leydig cells in the testes, stimulating them to produce and release testosterone. In concert with testosterone, FSH acts on the Sertoli cells within the seminiferous tubules to facilitate the release of...
1.4K
01:20Disorders of the Male Reproductive System
3.7K
Men's health issues are increasingly recognized as significant, with several conditions posing common threats. Among these, testicular cancer is especially prevalent in younger men, particularly those aged 20 to 35 years. The disease often manifests as a painless mass in the testicles, sometimes accompanied by a sensation of heaviness or a dull ache.
Prostate disorders are another major concern. These conditions can impair urinary flow due to the prostate's location around the urethra....
Prostate disorders are another major concern. These conditions can impair urinary flow due to the prostate's location around the urethra....
3.7K
01:13Controls in Experiments
14.4K
When conducting an experiment, it is crucial to have control to reduce bias and accurately measure the dependent variables. It also marks the results more reliable. Controls are elements in an experiment that have the same characteristics as the treatment groups but are not affected by the independent variable. By sorting these data into control and experimental conditions, the relationship between the dependent and independent variables can be drawn. A randomized experiment always includes a...
14.4K
01:26Sexually Transmitted Infections
570
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are diseases transmitted primarily through unsafe sexual interactions. Bacteria, viruses, or parasites cause them and can result in severe health complications if untreated.ChlamydiaThe bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis is responsible for the disease Chlamydia, the most common STI in the United States. This peculiar pathogen requires human cells to reproduce, residing intracellularly. The initial infection often goes unnoticed because it typically does not...
570
02:19The Y Chromosome Determines Maleness
7.4K
The Y chromosome is a sex chromosome found in several vertebrates and mammals, including humans. In addition to 22 pairs of autosomes, the human males have one X chromosome and one Y chromosome. In these organisms, the presence or absence of the Y chromosome determines the development of male traits.
Evolution
Around 300 million years ago, the two sex chromosomes diverged from two identical autosomal chromosomes. Over time, the Y chromosome has lost most of its genes, shrinking in size....
Evolution
Around 300 million years ago, the two sex chromosomes diverged from two identical autosomal chromosomes. Over time, the Y chromosome has lost most of its genes, shrinking in size....
7.4K