Does SARS-CoV-2 Threaten Male Fertility?

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Health
• Virology
• Immunology

Background:

• Male fertility is a growing concern in the COVID-19 pandemic.
• SARS-CoV-2 infection may affect reproductive health in recovered males.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore potential mechanisms linking COVID-19 to male infertility.
• To highlight the need for further research and clinical evaluation.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature on SARS-CoV-2 and male reproductive system.
• Analysis of viral entry pathways (ACE2 receptor) in testicular cells.
• Discussion of inflammatory responses (cytokine storm) and fever effects.

Main Results:

• ACE2 receptors are present in human testes, facilitating potential viral entry.
• Cytokine storms and prolonged fever associated with severe COVID-19 may impair fertility.
• Orchitis caused by SARS-CoV-2 is a potential factor affecting male fertility.

Conclusions:

• While definitive evidence is limited, COVID-19 poses potential risks to male fertility.
• Evaluation of semen and fertility parameters is recommended for recovered men.
• Further high-quality studies are urgently needed to understand long-term effects.