SARS-CoV-2 Associated Impact on Reproductive Health: A Global Perspective

The outbreak of the novel coronavirus disease due to the SARS-CoV-2 virus originated in Wuhan in December 2019, and emerged as a considerable global pandemic threat, with serious impact on different aspects of people's health and lives. Though, the disease is no longer considered a global emergency, its potential risks for long-term reproductive health remain a concern. Various guidelines and precautionary measures such as suspension of non-essential medical services were adopted for the containment of this deadly virus. Although such restrictions were proven to be an effective tool in preventing the spread of novel coronavirus, however, this has also negatively impacted society, including infertile couples undergoing fertility treatment. During the period of the pandemic, females experienced changes in menstrual cycles, thyroid dysfunction, and stress-associated loss in libido and other related sexual dysfunctions, leading to consequential effects on their reproductive and mental health. The SARS-CoV-2-associated defects are not only limited to female reproductive dysfunction rather the male reproductive organs were found to be equally impacted by this SARS-CoV-2 virus. The expression of ACE2 in the male reproductive count is a major factor for significant alterations observed in male reproductive function. In this current article, we have focused on the impact of SARS-CoV-2 on reproductive health, and the challenges of assisted reproductive technology (ART) during the pandemic outbreak.