Covid Can Cause Permanent Damage to Men’s Sperm Quality: Study
Key Highlights :
SEO friendly long article:
Covid can cause permanent damage to men’s sperm quality, according to a new study presented at the 39th annual meeting of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) Monday. The study, conducted by Professor Rocio Nunez-Calonge, scientific advisor at UR International Group at the Scientific Reproduction Unit in Spain, showed that even a mild Covid infection can cause permanent damage to men’s sperm concentrations and their ability to swim.
The study recruited 45 men attending six reproductive clinics in Spain between February 2020 and October 2022. All had a confirmed diagnosis of mild Covid, and the clinics had data from analysis of semen samples taken before the men were infected. Another semen sample was taken between 17 and 516 days after infection. The researchers analysed all the samples taken up to 100 days after infection and then analysed a subset of samples taken more than 100 days later.
The results showed a statistically significant difference in semen volume (down 20 percent from 2.5 to 2 milliliters), sperm concentration (down 26.5 percent from 68 to 50 million per ml of ejaculate), sperm count (down 37.5 percent from 160 to 100 million per millilitre of semen), total motility that is, being able to move and swim forwards (down 9.1 percent from 49 percent to 45 percent) and numbers of live sperm (down 5 percent from 80 percent to 76 percent). Half of the men had total sperm counts that were 57 percent lower after Covid compared to their pre-Covid samples.
While the shape of the sperm was not significantly affected, even after 100 days following Covid infection, the sperm concentration and motility showed no improvement. “We do not know how long it might take for semen quality to be restored and it may be the case that Covid has caused permanent damage, even in men who suffered only a mild infection,” said Prof. Nunez-Calonge.
It is known that the SARS-CoV-2 virus can affect the testicles and sperm, but the mechanism is still unknown. While calling for more research, she said that inflammation and damage to the immune system that is seen in patients with long Covid might be involved.
The study highlights the importance of taking necessary precautions to prevent Covid infection, as it can cause permanent damage to men’s sperm quality. Clinicians should be aware of the damaging effects of the SARS-CoV-2 virus on male fertility, as even mild infections can cause permanent damage.
