The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), is capable of infecting various organs, including those within the reproductive tract. The male urogenital tract is particularly susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection due to the widespread expression of both angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and the transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2), both of which are essential for viral entry into cells.
Despite these correlations, few studies to date have examined the impact of COVID-19 on male fertility, including sperm quality. Thus, additional research is needed to elucidate the effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection on reproductive health, particularly among men.
A recent study published in the journal Scientific Reports assessed sperm quality among male fertility patients who were previously exposed to SARS-CoV-2.
How does COVID-19 affect sperm cells?
The current study included COVID-19-affected individuals, as well as uninfected patients, who provided semen samples while being cared for at the Center for Reproductive Medicine in Shengjing, China. Sperm count, sperm motility, sperm morphology, as well as sperm DNA fragmentation index (FDI) and chromatin immaturity, were measured in all semen samples.
