Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Nov 23, 2024 4 hours, 17 minutes ago
Medical News: In a groundbreaking study led by researchers from the University of Oxford (UK), Diponegoro University (Indonesia), and the Republic of Indonesia Defense University, an important link between COVID-19 and male reproductive health has come to light. The study delves into changes in semen parameters before and after COVID-19 infection, shedding light on its impact on male fertility.
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Study warns that COVID-19 is affecting semen quality
The Need for This Study
COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2, has primarily been recognized as a respiratory virus. However, the presence of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptors in the male reproductive organs raised concerns about its potential effects on fertility. This
Medical News report reveals how the virus could impair semen quality, based on systematic review and meta-analysis findings. The study consolidates data from seven pre-and-post semen analysis studies involving 153 participants, making it one of the most comprehensive assessments on the subject.
Methodology: How the Data Was Analyzed
Researchers meticulously searched medical databases and grey literature, focusing on studies reporting semen analysis before and after COVID-19 infection. They excluded studies without comparative data or those influenced by confounding factors such as prior urological conditions. Using RevMan5 software, the team employed the inverse variance method for assigning weights to each study, analyzing changes in parameters such as sperm concentration, motility, and volume.
The analysis revealed a troubling trend: COVID-19 was consistently associated with decreased sperm concentration and progressive motility. These findings were significant despite the “very high risk” of bias in the studies, as evaluated by the Cochrane Risk of Bias in Nonrandomized Studies of Exposure (ROBINS-E) tool.
Key Findings: COVID-19's Impact on Semen Quality
1. Sperm Concentration and Count
Sperm concentration dropped significantly in most studies, with an average reduction of 4.77% post-COVID-19 infection. This decline was mirrored in total sperm counts, particularly in individuals with moderate COVID-19 symptoms. Two studies observed a recovery of sperm concentration within three months, though the process appeared highly variable.
2. Motility
Sperm motility, including both total and progressive motility, exhibited a marked decrease. Progressive motility, essential for natural conception, saw an average decline of 4.65%. In some studies, motility improved slightly over time, hinting at a partial recovery.
3. Semen Volume
Semen volume changes were less consistent. Some studies reported a significant decrease, while others found no notable alterations. One case study suggested that the timing of semen sample collection post-recovery might influence results.
4. Underlying Mec
hanisms
Researchers believe that systemic inflammation, direct viral invasion, and oxidative stress during COVID-19 contribute to these changes. Fever, a common COVID-19 symptom, may exacerbate testicular temperature, impairing sperm production. Interestingly, the severity of COVID-19 symptoms did not consistently correlate with semen quality impairment, suggesting other factors at play.
Broader Implications
These findings align with earlier research on SARS-CoV-1, the virus responsible for the 2003 SARS outbreak. Like SARS-CoV-2, it was associated with testicular damage and disrupted spermatogenesis. However, the current study is unique in its focus on comparative data within the same individuals, offering robust insights into how SARS-CoV-2 affects male reproductive health.
Limitations of the Study
While the findings are compelling, they come with caveats. The small sample size, high heterogeneity among studies, and lack of standardized semen collection methods may affect generalizability. Additionally, the influence of external factors such as lifestyle, pre-existing conditions, and post-infection recovery periods cannot be ruled out.
Conclusion: A Call for Further Research
This study underscores the need for long-term monitoring of male reproductive health post-COVID-19. It is evident that SARS-CoV-2 can impair semen quality, albeit temporarily in some cases. Researchers emphasize the importance of including larger, more diverse populations in future studies to understand the full scope of COVID-19's impact on fertility.
As the pandemic evolves, understanding these effects is critical - not only for individual health but also for broader public health planning. Ensuring men have access to reproductive health assessments post-COVID-19 could mitigate potential long-term impacts on fertility.
The study findings were published in the peer-reviewed journal: UroPrecision.
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/uro2.92
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