Male Fertility and the COVID-19 Pandemic: Systematic Review of the Literature
| Title: | Male Fertility and the COVID-19 Pandemic: Systematic Review of the Literature |
|---|---|
| Authors: | Mohammad Ali Khalili, Kristian Leisegang, Ahmad Majzoub, Renata Finelli, Manesh Kumar Panner Selvam, Ralf Henkel, Moshrefi Mojgan, Ashok Agarwal |
| Source: | The World Journal of Men's Health, Vol 38, Iss 4, Pp 506-520 (2020) |
| Publisher Information: | Korean Society for Sexual Medicine and Andrology, 2020. |
| Publication Year: | 2020 |
| Collection: | LCC:Medicine LCC:Diseases of the genitourinary system. Urology |
| Subject Terms: | covid-19, infertility, male, pregnancy, semen, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, Medicine, Diseases of the genitourinary system. Urology, RC870-923 |
| More Details: | Purpose: Since its discovery in December 2019, the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 has spread globally, causing the current COVID-19 (coronavirus disease-19) pandemic. As there is an increase of infections in the male population, concerns have emerged about the potential impact of COVID-19 on male reproductive organs and male fertility. Therefore, this study systematically investigates the current evidence of SARS-CoV-2 impact on male reproduction and pregnancy outcomes, discussing them in light of the evidence published on other coronaviruses. Materials and Methods: Literature search was carried out according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A total of 24 original articles were included for the analysis, investigating the effects of the infection on semen parameters, male reproductive hormones, and pregnancy outcomes. Further, a Strengths-Weaknesses- Opportunities-Threats (SWOT) analysis was conducted based on the available evidence linking the virus with male reproduction and conception. Results: Although there is limited data, viral mRNA has been identified in semen of infected men, with some evidence of altered seminal parameters. Low testosterone and dihydrotestosterone with raised luteinizing hormone has been reported as well as preterm delivery in pregnant women; however, data regarding vertical transmission remains contradictory and inconclusive. Conclusions: The recent literature provides evidence that male gonads may be potentially vulnerable to SARS-CoV-2 infection, recommending caution to pregnant women and couples planning natural pregnancy or assisted reproduction. |
| Document Type: | article |
| File Description: | electronic resource |
| Language: | English |
| ISSN: | 2287-4208 2287-4690 |
| Relation: | https://doaj.org/toc/2287-4208; https://doaj.org/toc/2287-4690 |
| DOI: | 10.5534/wjmh.200134 |
| Access URL: | https://doaj.org/article/4fda5a762bd246a78e52e89895c1077f |
| Accession Number: | edsdoj.4fda5a762bd246a78e52e89895c1077f |
| Database: | Directory of Open Access Journals |
| ISSN: | 22874208 22874690 |
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| DOI: | 10.5534/wjmh.200134 |
| Published in: | The World Journal of Men's Health |
| Language: | English |