Male Reproductive Health After 3 Months From SARS-CoV-2 Infection: A Multicentric Study

August 2022 in “ Journal of Endocrinological Investigation ”

Donatella Paoli, Francesco Pallotti, Antonella Anzuini, Serena Bianchini, Luisa Caponecchia, Anna Carraro, Maria Rosa Ciardi, Fabiana Faja, Cristina Fiori, Daniele Gianfrilli, Andrea Lenzi, Miriam Lichtner, I. Marcucci, Claudio Maria Mastroianni, Gerardo Nigro, Patrizia Pasculli, Carlotta Pozza, Flavio Rizzo, Paola Salacone, A. Sebastianelli, Francesco Lombardo

SARS-CoV-2 COVID-19 testosterone erectile dysfunction anti-sperm antibodies sperm DNA fragmentation testicular function ART procedures coronavirus COVID low testosterone ED assisted reproductive technology

TLDR COVID-19 temporarily affects male reproductive health, but sperm and testosterone levels generally return to normal after three months.

The study investigated the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on male reproductive health by examining 80 patients three months post-recovery. Results indicated that while COVID-19 did not cause direct testicular damage, there were transient indirect effects. Semen parameters were within normal ranges, with a mean sperm DNA fragmentation of 14.1%. A small percentage (3.9%) showed positive anti-sperm antibodies in blood serum, and 6.2% had low testosterone levels. Erectile dysfunction was present in 30% of subjects. The study concluded that COVID-19's impact on testicular function was temporary, suggesting that infertile couples might consider delaying parenthood or ART procedures for three months post-recovery.

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