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SARS-CoV-2 and male infertility: from short- to long-term impacts

P Dai1, F Qiao1, Y Chen1

  • 1Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, People's Republic of China.

Journal of Endocrinological Investigation
|March 14, 2023
PubMed

Insights

The COVID-19 virus (SARS-CoV-2) negatively impacts male fertility by disrupting the HPG axis, affecting spermatogenesis and the epididymis. Vaccines are crucial for reducing infection rates and long-term risks.

Area of Science:

  • Reproductive Endocrinology
  • Virology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2, has had severe global health consequences, with higher complication and mortality rates observed in males.
  • The SARS-CoV-2 receptor's expression in the male reproductive tract and links between testosterone levels and viral infection highlight potential impacts on male fertility.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the effects of COVID-19 on the male reproductive system.
  • To investigate the impact of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines on male reproductive health.
  • To discuss mechanisms, asymptomatic infection effects, and long-term consequences of COVID-19 on male reproduction.

Main Methods:

  • A literature search was conducted using keywords: SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19, endocrine, spermatogenesis, epididymis, prostate, and vaccine.
  • Databases searched included PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar.
  • The review covered peer-reviewed articles and reviews published between 2020 and 2022.

Main Results:

  • COVID-19 disrupts the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis.
  • Negative impacts on spermatogenesis and epididymis function were observed.
  • The review explored mechanisms of viral impact and potential effects of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines on male reproductive health.

Conclusions:

  • COVID-19 negatively affects male reproductive health, specifically spermatogenesis and the epididymis, necessitating further research.
  • Vaccine development against SARS-CoV-2 variants is vital for reducing infection rates and mitigating long-term health risks.
Abstract

Keywords:
EpididymisMale infertilitySARS-CoV-2Testis

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