The Impact of SARS-CoV-2 on Sperm Cryostorage, Theoretical or Real Risk?

Area of Science:

• Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART)
• Cryobiology
• Infectious Disease Control

Background:

• Cryopreservation of human gametes, embryos, and tissues is crucial for ART.
• Sperm cryopreservation is essential for oncological patients undergoing gonadotoxic treatments.
• Guidelines exist to prevent viral contamination during cryopreservation and storage.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review measures for mitigating SARS-CoV-2 contamination in semen cryopreservation.
• To discuss the adequacy of current safety directives from professional societies like ESHRE and ASRM.
• To explore the potential impact of COVID-19 vaccination on sperm cryopreservation safety.

Main Methods:

• Review of current guidelines and literature on viral contamination in ART.
• Analysis of SARS-CoV-2 transmission routes and mitigation strategies.
• Discussion of potential effects of COVID-19 vaccination on sperm cryopreservation.

Main Results:

• Existing guidelines address viral contamination risks in cryopreservation.
• SARS-CoV-2, primarily aerosol-mediated, presents unique challenges for semen cryopreservation.
• The effectiveness of current measures and the impact of vaccination require further evaluation.

Conclusions:

• Ensuring the safety of sperm cryopreservation during the COVID-19 pandemic requires careful consideration of viral transmission routes.
• Re-evaluation of existing safety protocols may be necessary to address SARS-CoV-2.
• The influence of COVID-19 vaccination on sperm cryopreservation safety needs thorough investigation.