The Probable Destructive Mechanisms Behind COVID-19 on Male Reproductive System and Fertility

May 2021 in “ Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics ”

Mojgan Moshrefi, Saeed Ghasemi-Esmailabad, Javaid Ali, Necati Fındıklı, Esmat Mangoli, Mohammad Ali Khalili

COVID-19 SARS-CoV-2 male fertility spermatogenesis sperm production testicular cells ACE2 receptors TMPRSS2 receptors reproductive hormones blood-testis barrier viral RNA viral proteins semen ART treatments coronavirus assisted reproductive technology

TLDR COVID-19 may harm male fertility and damage the reproductive system.

The document reviews the potential negative effects of COVID-19 on male fertility, suggesting that SARS-CoV-2 may cause damage to the male reproductive system through several mechanisms. The virus could disrupt spermatogenesis and decrease sperm production due to its presence in testicular cells, which express high levels of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 receptors. The infection may also affect the secretion of reproductive hormones and compromise the blood-testis barrier. Although no sexual transmission has been reported, the detection of viral RNA and proteins in semen is concerning. The document concludes that there is a need to monitor reproductive functions in recovered COVID-19 patients, especially older men, and to exercise caution in ART treatments and sexual contact during the pandemic. The document does not provide specific study participant numbers, indicating it is a literature review rather than an empirical study.

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The Probable Destructive Mechanisms Behind COVID-19 on Male Reproductive System and Fertility

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