News | Does COVID-19 affect male fertility? Declining semen quality raises concern
SARS-CoV-2 may affect not only the respiratory system but also male reproduction. A recent meta-analysis by Xie et al. in the Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics found declines in semen volume, sperm concentration, motility, and total count after infection.
Consistent declines across multiple countries
The meta-analysis combined 12 studies with 973 men from several countries and databases, finding generally poorer semen quality after COVID-19.
A German study found clear impairment after moderate illness but no significant testicular or epididymal dysfunction after mild illness. Other studies nevertheless reported lower sperm motility and total motile sperm count even after mild infection.
Chinese researchers found stronger immune responses in the testes after infection, disrupting spermatogenesis and causing autoimmune orchitis in some patients. A short-term Turkish study found no clear adverse effect, illustrating disagreement among studies.
Damage may be reversible; fever may contribute
Some research suggests the short-term decline may reverse. One follow-up study found low sperm count, concentration, and motility in the first sample, although it also reported no effect on motility or morphology. Three weeks later, sperm count rose significantly and abnormal morphology declined. Researchers suggested fever during infection may explain the temporary effect.
Long-term effects unclear; psychological stress may contribute
Only one study has examined patients more than 90 days into recovery. It suggested poorer semen quality might reflect changes in sexual function related to stress, anxiety, or other psychological factors rather than direct viral effects. Other mechanisms behind long COVID remain unclear.
Strengths and limitations
The meta-analysis had a relatively large, multinational sample, and included studies were rated methodologically sound.
Limitations included uncontrolled confounders such as lifestyle and chronic disease, missing age data in some studies, inconsistent intervals between a positive test and semen collection, and frequently unreported disease severity.
Conclusion
Potential effects of COVID-19 on male fertility warrant attention. Evidence is not conclusive, but signals suggest adverse effects on key parameters such as sperm count and motility. Scientists advise men planning a pregnancy to consider allowing time after recovery and seeking fertility assessment when needed.
News | Does COVID-19 affect male fertility? Declining semen quality raises concern
News | Does COVID-19 affect male fertility? Declining semen quality raises concern
SARS-CoV-2 may affect not only the respiratory system but also male reproduction. A recent meta-analysis by Xie et al. in the Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics found declines in semen volume, sperm concentration, motility, and total count after infection.
Consistent declines across multiple countries
The meta-analysis combined 12 studies with 973 men from several countries and databases, finding generally poorer semen quality after COVID-19.
A German study found clear impairment after moderate illness but no significant testicular or epididymal dysfunction after mild illness. Other studies nevertheless reported lower sperm motility and total motile sperm count even after mild infection.
Chinese researchers found stronger immune responses in the testes after infection, disrupting spermatogenesis and causing autoimmune orchitis in some patients. A short-term Turkish study found no clear adverse effect, illustrating disagreement among studies.
Damage may be reversible; fever may contribute
Some research suggests the short-term decline may reverse. One follow-up study found low sperm count, concentration, and motility in the first sample, although it also reported no effect on motility or morphology. Three weeks later, sperm count rose significantly and abnormal morphology declined. Researchers suggested fever during infection may explain the temporary effect.
Long-term effects unclear; psychological stress may contribute
Only one study has examined patients more than 90 days into recovery. It suggested poorer semen quality might reflect changes in sexual function related to stress, anxiety, or other psychological factors rather than direct viral effects. Other mechanisms behind long COVID remain unclear.
Strengths and limitations
The meta-analysis had a relatively large, multinational sample, and included studies were rated methodologically sound.
Limitations included uncontrolled confounders such as lifestyle and chronic disease, missing age data in some studies, inconsistent intervals between a positive test and semen collection, and frequently unreported disease severity.
Conclusion
Potential effects of COVID-19 on male fertility warrant attention. Evidence is not conclusive, but signals suggest adverse effects on key parameters such as sperm count and motility. Scientists advise men planning a pregnancy to consider allowing time after recovery and seeking fertility assessment when needed.
Source:
Collected online