Influence of COVID-19 on Male Fertility

V Papava, L Shanidze, T Dibdaridze, G Kochiashvili, Z Zaalishvili, V Kvakhajelidze, G Sinauridze

Abstract


Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) may lead to the significant changes of spermogramme.

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the impact of COVID-19 infection on sperm parameters in fertile men.

Methods: A total of 30 males were selected and divided into two groups: (1) 1) Patients who were not infected with Covid-19, a total of 10 patients. (2) Patients who were infected with COVID-19. Semen and nasal swab samples were gathered from all subjects. COVID-19 was detected via RT-PCR.  Semen analysis, DNA fragmentation, and sperm bacteriology were assessed.

Results: Results demonstrated that sperm concentration, motility, sperm viability, and DNA fragmentation were significantly reduced in males with virus infection. In comparison with the control group, (P < 0.05). Data indicated that the semen volume was not significantly correlated with COVID-19, and there was a significantly negative correlation between sperm concentration, sperm total motility, sperm vitality, sperm normal forms. Sperm DNA fragmentation index had a significant and positive correlation with COVID-19 (P < 0.05). In addition, reproductive hormones significantly reduced in fertile males with COVID-19 infection (P < 0.05).

Conclusions: COVID-19 infection has a negative influence on sperm parameters in males.


Keywords


COVID-19; coronavirus; semen; sperm quality, DNA fragmentation

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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.52155/ijpsat.v29.2.3812

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