Impact of COVID-19 on Male Fertility

Alexander B Collins; Lei Zhao; Ziwen Zhu; Nathan T Givens; Qian Bai; Mark R Wakefield; Yujiang Fang

doi:10.1016/j.urology.2021.12.025

Impact of COVID-19 on Male Fertility

Urology. 2022 Jun:164:33-39. doi: 10.1016/j.urology.2021.12.025. Epub 2022 Jan 8.

Authors

Alexander B Collins¹, Lei Zhao², Ziwen Zhu³, Nathan T Givens¹, Qian Bai³, Mark R Wakefield³, Yujiang Fang⁴

Affiliations

¹ Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Pathology, Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Des Moines, IA.
² Department of Respiratory Medicine, the 2nd People's Hospital of Hefei and Hefei Hospital Affiliated to Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.
³ Department of Surgery, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO.
⁴ Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Pathology, Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Des Moines, IA; Department of Surgery, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO. Electronic address: yujiang.fang@dmu.edu.

Abstract

COVID-19, the clinical condition caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, has been associated with massive cytokine storm and damage to multiple organ systems. Although evidence for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 virus in the testis remains scarce, testicular damage and dysregulation of gonadotropins associated with inflammation has been reported. Additionally, as a result of the rapidly evolving pandemic, frequently updated medical interventions and public policies leading to delays of care can play a role in fertility. This narrative review aims to summarize the current literature on how COVID-19 may influence male fertility.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

COVID-19* / complications
Fertility
Humans
Male
Pandemics
SARS-CoV-2
Testis