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Recent research shows that COVID-19 can damage the testicles and affect fertility. This is another complication that scientists have discovered after COVID-19.
- The SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus can damage the cells of the male testicles and cause fertility problems
- Scientists describe for the first time a man who developed COVID-19 tested negative, yet virus particles were found in his testicles
- Camile Symen also points out that male fertility may also be affected by how the coronavirus affects the nervous system and what damage it causes
- You can find more up-to-date information on the TvoiLokony home page
COVID-19 and Male Fertility
Researchers at the University of Miami, Florida compared tissue taken from the testes of six men who died from COVID-19 and three men who died from other causes. Testicular damage was observed in three COVID-19 patients, which impaired their ability to produce sperm and therefore negatively affected their fertility.
«We also identified a virus in a man who had a testicular biopsy for infertility. The man was infected with the SARS-COV-2 coronavirus, he had no symptoms. Before the biopsy, the COVID-19 test was negative. Nevertheless, the virus was still present in the testicular tissues »explained Dr. Ranjith Ramasamy, lead author of the study. According to Ramasamy, this is the first published study to report a living patient showing the presence of the virus in testicular tissue, even though the test was negative for COVID-19.
“The discovery is new, remarkable, and certainly worth further research,” added Ramasamy.
A similar study was carried out a few months earlier by Chinese scientists. Their research showed that the immune system in COVID-19 patients in some cases attacked the tissues of the testicles, causing them to become inflamed. Another Chinese team found significant damage to testicular cell tissue in 12 men who died from COVID-19.
Scientists are bringing to light the increasingly rare and unusual symptoms of COVID-19. Testicular pain is undoubtedly one of these, especially if it is the only symptom of an infection. And while it’s only been mentioned a few times in research, it has already sparked speculation about the possible effects of the coronavirus on male fertility and potency. Can the gentlemen sleep well?
Read more: Could testicular pain be the only sign of COVID-19? Scientists are studying the effects of the coronavirus on men
There are receptors for angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE-2) in the testes, as in the lungs, heart, intestines and kidneys. It is with their help that the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus enters cells.
See also: Men may be more susceptible to coronavirus infection because of a specific enzyme in the lungs
The effects of COVID-19 on the nervous system may also affect male fertility
In an article published on News-Medical, Camile Symen of the Institute of Health Sciences at Gazi University in Ankara also pointed out that male fertility may also be affected by the fact that the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus affects the nervous system.
Most viruses cross the blood-brain barrier, and studies have shown that glial cells and neurons also express ACE2 receptors, potentially making them a target of the virus. Importantly, the central nervous system plays a key role in endocrine control and spermatogenesis. For example, neurons in the hypothalamus secrete gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH), which triggers the secretion of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) from the pituitary gland.
Low levels of GnRH cause a reduction in FSH and LH, which in turn affects the function of Sertoli cells and Leydig cells. The former support and control the spermatogenesis process, the latter perform nutritional functions and produce androgens (testosterone).
Seymen believes that all research results show that the COVID-19 pandemic could affect the male reproductive system directly and indirectly.
“Additional research is needed to answer all questions,” concludes Seyman.
If you are planning a child with your partner, do not forget about selenium supplementation, the deficiency of which may affect male infertility. The selenium dietary supplement for men is available on Medonet Market.
The editorial board recommends:
- Sleeping with the window open reduces the risk of COVID-19 by up to half. Why?
- Where did SARS-CoV-2 come from? A surprising discovery in laboratory freezers
- CDC warns: 59 percent infections are transmitted by people with no symptoms
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