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Effects of COVID-19 Infection on Spermatogenesis, Oxidative Stress and Erectile Function

  • P. Törzsök
  • , D. Oswald
  • , C. Steiner
  • , M. Abenhardt
  • , C. Ramesmayer
  • , L. Milinovic
  • , B. Plank
  • , Z. Tischleritsch
  • , L. Lusuardi
  • , S. Deininger
  • Department of Urology and Andrology, University Hospital, Paracelsus Medical University

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Background: Our aim was to evaluate the effect of COVID-19 infection on male fertility and sexual function. Methods: Thirty-one patients were investigated over a mean follow-up of 90 days (22–527) after a COVID-19 infection. Erectile dysfunction (ED), blood tests for sexual hormones, semen analysis including analysis of oxidative stress (OS), as well as COVID-19 antibody titer and the nasal COVID-19 PCR test were evaluated pre- and post-infection. Results: Five patients reported a mild de novo ED (16.13%). One patient had a de novo positive mixed antiglobulin reaction test after the infection. We found no significant difference between pre-COVID-19 and post-COVID-19 spermiogram parameters (p = 0.815). OS showed no significant association with COVID-19 infection, but with pathological spermiogram categories, sperm concentration, total sperm count, testis volume, FSH and testosterone. Conclusion: COVID-19 infection does not appear to affect sperm quality and OS negatively in the intermediate term. Further investigations will be needed to assess the potential long-term effects of the infection and vaccination on male sexual function and fertility.
Original languageEnglish
JournalJ. Clin. Med.
Volume12
Issue number22
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 15 Nov 2023

UN SDGs

This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

  1. SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being
    SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being

Keywords

  • COVID-19
  • infection
  • male fertility
  • oxidative stress
  • semen analysis
  • testosterone
  • virus

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