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Updated: Aug 22, 2025
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Author Spotlight: Exploring the Long-Term Health Impacts of Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection on Offspring
Published on: May 17, 2024
736
SARS-CoV-2, fertility and assisted reproduction
Baris Ata1,2, Nathalie Vermeulen3, Edgar Mocanu4
1Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Koc University, Istanbul, Turkey.
Human Reproduction Update
|November 14, 2022
Summary
COVID-19 infection may temporarily impact male fertility and menstrual cycles, but SARS-CoV-2 vaccination shows no negative effects on reproductive health or assisted reproduction outcomes. Further research is needed on long-term impacts.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Endocrinology
- Virology
- Immunology
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted assisted reproduction treatments (ART).
- Understanding the impact of SARS-CoV-2 on human fertility and gametes is crucial for resuming ART and guiding pregnancy decisions.
Approach:
- A comprehensive literature search of PubMed/MEDLINE and WHO COVID-19 databases was conducted up to October 5, 2022.
- Included studies focused on SARS-CoV-2, gametes, fertility, and ART, excluding non-English, pre-2020, review, and non-peer-reviewed publications.
Key Points:
- SARS-CoV-2 RNA detected in ejaculate of severe COVID-19 cases; infection may impair spermatogenesis temporarily.
- No significant impact of COVID-19 on female reproductive organs (ovaries, uterus) or ART outcomes in mild/asymptomatic cases.
- SARS-CoV-2 vaccination demonstrates no adverse effects on semen parameters, ovarian function, or ART success rates; transient menstrual cycle changes noted.
Conclusions:
- Existing data suggest COVID-19 has a limited, often transient, impact on male and female fertility and ART outcomes.
- SARS-CoV-2 vaccination is safe for individuals undergoing or considering assisted reproduction.
- Further research is needed to address data gaps regarding long-term fertility effects and optimal intervals post-infection for ART.
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