Relationship between COVID-19 and the male reproductive system

T.-T. Meng, R.-J. Dong, T.-G. Li

Department of Emergency Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China. Kangkang875@outlook.com

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• Infectious Diseases

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this review is to provide currently available information on the potential effects of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on male fertility.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a mini-review. Due to the similarity between the COVID-19 and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) virus, we searched for the following keywords: “SARS-CoV, male reproductive system, infertility, COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, and orchitis”. By reviewing and analyzing the literature, we analyzed the influence of temperature on sperm, the expression of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) in the testes, and the impact of SARS-CoV-2 on the male reproductive system.

RESULTS: SARS-CoV-2 enters the body through the ACE2 receptor. The high expression of ACE2 on the surface of spermatogonia and supporting cells in the testes, as well as the immune response caused by COVID-19, can lead to testicular spermatogenesis dysfunction and reduced sperm count.

CONCLUSIONS: COVID-19 infection can affect male reproductive function, and standard treatment strategies should be established in time to help male patients infected with COVID-19.

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