Resolution of Sperm Quality Impairment Following Sars-Cov-2 Infection: A Prospective Study Publisher

Summary: How long does COVID-19 affect sperm quality? Research found significant improvement in sperm parameters after four months post-recovery, suggesting recovery time varies. #COVID19 #SemenQuality

Derakhshan M^{1, 2} ; Derakhshan M^{1, 2} ; Naghshineh E^{1, 2} ; Movahedi M¹ ; Ghasemitehrani H¹ ; Bamarinejad F⁴ ; Bamarinejad A⁴ ; Omidvar Z⁴
Source: Asian Pacific Journal of Reproduction Published:2024

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the length of time required to resolve COVID-19 effects on semen quality and DNA integrity. Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted among 42 men who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 and underwent semen analysis at baseline and four months’ post-recovery. Semen samples were collected and evaluated for macroscopic and microscopic parameters, sperm chromatin maturation, and DNA fragmentation. Results: The mean age of participants was 37(±7) years, and 14% had normozoospermia at baseline. After a four-month recovery from COVID-19, 48% of patients had normozoospermia. Sperm count, motility, and morphology increased significantly, while sperm DNA fragmentation and sperm chromatin maturation decreased significantly post-recovery from COVID-19. Conclusions: Sperm parameters improve after a four-month recovery from COVID-19. The findings indicate significant improvements in sperm count, motility, morphology, DNA fragmentation, and chromatin maturation after a four-month recovery period. ©2024 Asian Pacific Journal of Reproduction.