Effect of COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) on Male Fertility: A Systematic Review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.46966/msjar.v7i3.441Keywords:
COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, male fertility, sperm parameters, testicular histopathology, orchitis, reproductive sex hormones, spermatogenesis, seminal fluidAbstract
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2, it has effect on multiple organ systems, including the male reproductive tract, necessitates a comprehensive assessment of its effects on fertility parameters. Methods: This systematic review synthesis evidence from meta-analysis, clinical studies and autopsy reports examining the effect of COVID-19 on male fertility. Studies investigating sperm parameters (volume, concentration, motility, morphology), viral presence in semen, reproductive hormone levels and testicular histopathology in COVID-19 patients and recovered individuals were analyzed. Results: COVID-19 infection significantly impairs sperm parameters, with meta-analysis demonstrating reductions in sperm count, total motility notably progressive motility and morphology. detection of SARS-CoV-2 in semen remain rare (approximately 3-8% of cases) mostly during the acute phase. Hormonal alterations involve reduced testosterone levels and elevated luteinizing hormone, suggesting primary testicular damage and hypothalamic -pituitary gonadal axis dysfunction, Autopsy studies showed orchitis, inflammatory infiltrates, Leydig cell damage, spermatogenesis impairment, blood-testis barrier compromise. Most alterations show partial recovery within 3-6 months post-infection, though some patients exhibit persistent abnormalities. Conclusion: SARS-CoV-2 infection negatively affects male fertility through multiple mechanisms including direct viral invasion, inflammatory responses, hormonal dysregulation and fever induced damage. While several parameters recover over time, long-term monitoring of reproductive function in recovered patients is warranted. Further research is needed to interpret the full extent of COVID-19s effect on male fertility and to develop targeted interventions.
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