Investigating the effect of SARS-CoV-2 on the sperm parameters

Background: COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2, may impact male reproduction by affecting spermatogenesis and testicular function. This study analyzes semen parameters, including volume, total count, motility, viability, morphology, and concentration, before and after the pandemic over a 3- to 12-month period postinfection. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at infertility and urology clinics. Demographic and medical history data, including age, BMI, number of children, underlying diseases, smoking, and alcohol consumption, were extracted from medical records. Parameters analyzed include semen volume, total sperm count, progressive motility, vitality, sperm morphology, and sperm concentration. The timeframe for sperm analysis ranges from three months to one-year postinfection. Results: A study of 150 men (mean age: 36.4 +/- 6.6) compared semen parameters before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Semen volume showed no significant change (P = 0.73). Sperm concentration and total sperm count significantly decreased (P < 0.000). Sperm morphology also declined significantly (P = 0.043). However, sperm motility and motility percentage showed no significant changes (P = 0.427 and P = 0.306, respectively). Conclusion: SARS-CoV-2 infection can adversely affect male reproductive health, emphasizing the need for targeted treatment strategies to mitigate these effects. Understanding the virus's impact on semen parameters will help in developing effective therapies, thereby reducing disease-related costs and improving fertility rates.