Covid and Infertility

"SARS-CoV-2 has been shown to infect the male reproductive tract.. Autopsy studies of COVID-19 patients have revealed testicular inflammation, leukocyte infiltration, and impaired Leydig cell function. SARS-CoV-2 may also fragment sperm DNA, reducing fertilization potential.. [In addition,] SARS-CoV-2 may affect the epididymis, a critical site for sperm maturation. Inflammation and oxidative stress in the epididymis can impair sperm motility and viability.."

“SARS-CoV-2 enters Leydig cells via the ACE2 receptor, highly expressed in both mouse and human testes. Once inside, the virus hijacks the metabolic machinery for its own replication.”

Testicular damage as result of Covid-19. The Role of Vimentin as a Key Contributor

“The present study demonstrated that SARS-CoV-2 significantly reduced ejaculate volume, sperm count, concentration, viability, normal morphology, and total and progressive motility. Furthermore, SARS-CoV-2 led to a reduction in circulating testosterone level, but a rise in oestrogen, prolactin, and luteinizing hormone levels. These findings were associated with a decline in testosterone/luteinizing hormone ratio. Conclusions The current study provides compelling evidence that SARS-CoV-2 may lower male fertility”

Analysis of study thread on Twitter: "We investigated testicular alterations in deceased COVID-19-patients, the precise location of the virus, its replicative activity, and the molecules involved in the pathogenesis." 1/x