The Impact of SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 on Male Reproduction and Men's Health

This review evaluates the potential effects of SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 on male reproductive health, including concerns about sexual transmission and impacts on reproductive hormones and semen quality. It notes that while there is limited evidence, some studies have investigated the presence of the virus in semen, with one study detecting it in 6 out of 38 samples. Another study reported negative effects on sperm parameters, but had limitations such as small sample size and no pre-infection semen analysis. Conversely, a different study with 23 men found no impact on sperm quality. The review underscores the need for further research to clarify the short- and long-term effects of COVID-19 on male fertility and provides recommendations for fertility care during the pandemic. It concludes that while the risk of transmission through seminal fluid seems low, more comprehensive research is necessary to fully understand the implications for male reproductive health.