Covid-19 infection may have short term impact on male semen parameters

The key findings of the study were;

A significant impact on sperm quality was observed in the aftermath of a COVID-19 infection. Both sperm concentration and total sperm count experienced a significant decrease after the infection. During the recovery phase, these parameters expressed a marked improvement, with increased sperm concentration, total sperm count, progressive motility and normal morphology. The sperm concentration dropped after covid-19 infection but rebounded to normal levels during the recovery period.

The results of this study propose a transient effect of COVID-19 on sperm quality which primarily marked by a temporary decrease in sperm concentration. The observed impacts on semen parameters seem reversible, with a gradual restoration within 3 to 6 months after recovery from the virus. Also, the outcomes emphasize the necessity for further investigations that can the reveal the underlying mechanisms and help understand any potential long-term implications of these semen parameter fluctuations. This study provides very important insights into a lesser-explored facet like the transient influence of virus on the male reproductive health and helps in understanding the multifaceted impacts of COVID-19.

Source:

Zhang, Q.-F., Zhang, Y.-J., Wang, S., Wei, Y., Zhang, H., Li, F., & Deng, Y.-Q. (2024). Does COVID-19 affect sperm quality in males? the answer may be yes, but only temporarily. Virology Journal, 21(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12985-024-02290-5