Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 14, 2025

Author Spotlight: A Simple and Cost-Effective Method for Leukocyte Analysis in Semen
Published on: January 19, 2024
Semen quality changes during infection and recovery phases of mild-to-moderate COVID-19 in reproductive-aged
Nasreldin Mohammed1, Mostafa Kamel1, Rabea Ahmed Gadelkareem2
1Assiut Urology and Nephrology Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Elgamaa Street, Assiut, Egypt.
Background:
Despite the documented effects of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on spermatogenesis, the reversibility of these effects is uncertain. We aimed to assess the changes of sperm quality between the infection and recovery phases of COVID-19 in reproductive-aged men. The semen quality of men with mild-to-moderated COVID-19 (defined by the degrees of symptoms and chest involvement on computed tomography) was studied during October, 2020-May, 2021 at our hospital. Two semen samples were analyzed at timings estimated to represent spermatogenic cycles during the infection and recovery phases of COVID-19.
Results:
A total of 100 patients were included with mean ± SD (range) age of 24.6 ± 3.3 (21-35) years. During infection, 33% of patients had abnormal semen quality. However, a significant reduction was found in this abnormality from 33 to 11% (P < 0.001) after recovery from infection. In a comparison of the two semen analyses, there were significant improvements in the mean values of sperm progressive motility (P =0.043) and normal morphology (P < 0.001). However, the mean sperm concentration showed a statistically insignificant increase (P = 0.844).
Conclusions:
In reproductive-aged patients with mild-to-moderate COVID-19, the effects on seminal quality were recoverable, represented by significant improvements in the means of progressive sperm motility and normal morphology between the infection and recovery phases of COVID-19.
Trial Registration:
ClinicalTrials, NCT04595240 .
Related Concept Videos
Infertility in Males
Sperm Structure and Semen Composition
Spermatogenesis
Disorders of the Male Reproductive System
Prostate disorders are another major concern. These conditions can impair urinary flow due to the prostate's location around the urethra....
Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin...
Sexually Transmitted Infections

