Do you know that COVID-19 not only affects your respiratory system but also affects male fertility? Some research data and studies have found that coronavirus leads to low sperm count and decreases sperm functionality. However, it is still not clear how it happens, but it has become one of the major concerns for males who have been infected with COVID-19 in the past or recovering from it. Learn how COVID-19 affects male fertility and what research has found in this article. Talk to our specialist for infectious diseases if you have any concerns.

Does COVID-19 affect male fertility?
The answer is yes, COVID-19 affects male fertility temporarily in some cases. The long-term outcome is unclear because of a lack of information about the novel coronavirus and fertility. However, preliminary studies show that COVID-19 may have a negative effect on sperm quality and function, which may lead to an increase in the risk of male infertility.
Experts believe that other viral infections like the flu may cause fever and can overheat the testicles. This effect is studied in several cases of fertile men experiencing fevers. One patient who recovered from the flu produced abnormal sperm for 45 days post-fever. In another, they noticed a decrease in sperm count, motility, and genetic health for two months which was resolved. As COVID-19’s most common symptom is a high fever, chances are infected men may experience reduced fertility due to this. But rest assured, most men recover from this decline in fertility for 60 days after infection, according to a study.
The experts who studied the long-term and acute effects of COVID-19 found that coronavirus may attack testicular cells and affect their functions because viral infections may be suspected to infect many organs in the entire body through some receptors that serve as a gateway for the virus to enter the cells and infect them slowly. So, chances are coronavirus may break the protective barrier of the testis and affect them.
It is also found that even mild COVID-19 may cause erectile dysfunction after complete recovery. However, these findings are not new because this is also seen with viruses including mumps and Zika virus may invade testicles and affect male fertility and sperm production.
A control group of research in health and coronavirus-infected males found that the virus may lead to low sperm count and affect the testis and its function. This is similar to other viruses like HIV, mumps, Zika, influenza, Hepatitis B and C, Ebola, HPV, and more. However, some data shows that SARS-CoV-1 may cause orchitis in males.
Infected cells that are involved in the process of new sperm cell production may have long-term effects and even birth defects. As a result, there is also a 1% chance of excess testicular damage, especially in reproductive age. However, the research is still ongoing because the outcomes remain unclear.

Impact of COVID-19 on Male fertility- research data and studies
Here are the research data and studies that show the impact of COVID-19 on male fertility, including:
• A recently published study shows that many men documented with COVID-19 infection showed decreased sperm count and function after 1 to 6 months of recovery. It was found that this effect on sperm was not linked with the severity of symptoms or the presence of fever—so it’s possible that even a mild infection can temporarily drop fertility rates. Additionally, the study found that anti-sperm antibodies developed in more than half of patients. However, 15 out of 120 men found that having either moderate to elevated levels of anti-sperm antibodies can decrease fertility rates and in cases of high levels, it can lead to immunological infertility.
• One study found that 19% of COVID-19 recovering patients with scrotal discomfort show indications of virus-induced inflammation around their diagnosis.
• One Chinese study of men found that all men previously fathered at least one child without any reproductive assistance, 19% of COVID-19 recovering patients had low sperm count and sperm function was compromised in 61%.
• One study found that 33% of the semen samples showed low sperm quality and lesser ability to travel. 25% of COVID-19 recovering patients also reported low libido and one patient reported failure to achieve an erection. The patients also experienced significant hormone changes, which might be indicators of fertility disturbances.
• An Iranian study found imbalances of free radicals and antioxidants, signs of inflammation, and activation of pathways that lead to sperm cell death when they analyzed semen samples from COVID-19-recovering patients every 10 days for 60 days. Sperm concentration and their ability to travel (motility) were reduced.
• An Italian study that conducted an online survey with respondents (to self-report COVID diagnosis and erectile dysfunction symptoms) found that COVID-19 increases the risk of erectile dysfunction nearly sixfold.

According to research data and studies, COVID-19 impacts male infertility by lowering sperm count and functionality whether you have recovered from it or are still infected. While more research is required to understand how COVID-19 affects male fertility, if you were infected with coronavirus in the past and have issues with fertility, then you should check with your doctor for proper diagnosis or consider its vaccine.

If you need help with coronavirus or its effect on male fertility, visit our infectious disease specialists in Brooklyn clinic to get professional medical help. Call us to book your appointment now!!!

Visit our team of Specialists for infectious diseases at Doral Health & Wellness on 1797 Pitkin Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11212. We also offer other services, such as vaccinations, immunizations, and blood testing. Call us on 13473845690 to get a consultation from our clinic or log on to https://doralhw.org/.