tetano
Editor, Senior Moderator
PLoS One
. 2024 Sep 9;19(9):e0307396.
doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0307396. eCollection 2024. SARS-CoV-2 impairs male fertility by targeting semen quality and testosterone level: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Ashonibare V J[SUP] 1 2 [/SUP], Ashonibare P J[SUP] 2 3 [/SUP], Akhigbe T M[SUP] 2 4 [/SUP], R E Akhigbe[SUP] 2 3 [/SUP]
Affiliations
Background: Since the discovery of COVID-19 in December 2019, the novel virus has spread globally causing significant medical and socio-economic burden. Although the pandemic has been curtailed, the virus and its attendant complication live on. A major global concern is its adverse impact on male fertility.
Aim: This study was aimed to give an up to date and robust data regarding the effect of COVID-19 on semen variables and male reproductive hormones.
Materials and methods: Literature search was performed according to the recommendations of PRISMA. Out of the 852 studies collected, only 40 were eligible for inclusion in assessing the effect SARS-CoV-2 exerts on semen quality and androgens. More so, a SWOT analysis was conducted.
Results: 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 by reducing semen quality through a hormone-dependent mechanism; reduction in testosterone level and increase in oestrogen and prolactin levels.
. 2024 Sep 9;19(9):e0307396.
doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0307396. eCollection 2024. SARS-CoV-2 impairs male fertility by targeting semen quality and testosterone level: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Ashonibare V J[SUP] 1 2 [/SUP], Ashonibare P J[SUP] 2 3 [/SUP], Akhigbe T M[SUP] 2 4 [/SUP], R E Akhigbe[SUP] 2 3 [/SUP]
Affiliations
- PMID: 39250513
- DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0307396
Background: Since the discovery of COVID-19 in December 2019, the novel virus has spread globally causing significant medical and socio-economic burden. Although the pandemic has been curtailed, the virus and its attendant complication live on. A major global concern is its adverse impact on male fertility.
Aim: This study was aimed to give an up to date and robust data regarding the effect of COVID-19 on semen variables and male reproductive hormones.
Materials and methods: Literature search was performed according to the recommendations of PRISMA. Out of the 852 studies collected, only 40 were eligible for inclusion in assessing the effect SARS-CoV-2 exerts on semen quality and androgens. More so, a SWOT analysis was conducted.
Results: 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 by reducing semen quality through a hormone-dependent mechanism; reduction in testosterone level and increase in oestrogen and prolactin levels.