Covid-19 may affect sperm count among patients: Docs

MUMBAI: Though Covid-19 is a respiratory disease that primarily affects the lungs, it can also temporarily affect the process of spermatogenesis — formation of sperms leading to low sperm count — among patients. It takes two-three months to regain normal count, post-Covid-19 recovery, said doctors.

Previous studies have shown that viral diseases like Hepatitis C, Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), herpes and Ebola affected spermatogenesis, sperm count, hormone levels and sperm motility. Doctors said the same pattern is also being observed among male patients infected with Covid-19.

“Covid causes fever which affects the spermatogenesis in a patient. We have observed that the sperm count among recovered patients decreases, but it is temporary. Thus, we always advise couples who want to conceive through IVF treatment to delay their procedure,” said Dr Richa Jagtap, clinical director, consultant reproductive medicine, Nova IVF Fertility, Mumbai.

Dr Kshitiz Murdia, chief executive officer and co-founder of Indira IVF, also shared a similar observation. “We have noticed that men are more susceptible to Covid-19 which impacts shortterm sperm quality. But within two-three months, they recover completely. I have not observed any permanent damage among any patient,” he said.

During viral infections, the body temperature increases in reaction to the pathogen, which may cause a blood-testis barrier — the immunological barrier which gives way into the male reproductive tract. This can affect the reproductive capacity of the patient, said doctors.

“A few researchers have shown that reproductive organs have ACE2 (angiotensin-converting enzyme 2) receptors which provide an entry point for SarsCov-2. Researchers across the globe have found the virus in the reproductive organs in infected males. So, there is a possibility that virus may lower the sperm counts but more studies are needed,” said a researcher from National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health.

Sexologists claim that depression and stress among Covid patients can also contribute to their short-term infertility. “Covid-19 causes depression and anxiety among patients which can also be a contributing factor in decreasing their sperm counts. It impacts their sexual desires and eagerness for intercourse. But the patient is critically ill and suffered severe damage to the lungs, he recovers within twothree months,” said Dr Prakash Kothari is founder, professor, head of the department of sexual medicine at KEM Hospital, Parel.