As we continue to learn more about the disease process for Covid-19, we are understanding more about the breadth of inflammatory reactions the virus can cause in the human body, including impacts on male fertility. A 2021 cohort study has shown that covid infection results in significant inflammatory and pro-oxidative stress on the male reproductive system, with resultant impairments in semen volume, progressive motility, sperm morphology, sperm concentration, and the number of spermatozoa. These impairments in fertility persisted for the 60-days post-infection in which the study followed the patients.
All Covid-19 patients in the study were treated with corticosteroids and/or anti-virals, which could play a role in the alterations in sperm quality, in addition to the viral infection itself. Further research will be needed to identify any longer-term impacts of Covid-19 infection and treatments.
I hope you have found this helpful, and do let me know if you have any questions!
If you are hungry for more evidence-based information for your fertility or pregnancy journey, visit www.myhealthypregnancyplan.com for free webinars and complete programs.
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In health,
Dr Jocelyn Land-Murphy, ND
Terra Life
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References:
Maleki, B. (2021). COVID-19 and male reproductive function: a prospective, longitudinal cohort study. Reproduction, 161(3): 319-331.
Miller, J. (2021). COVID-19 reduces fertility in men, study suggests. Healio.