Investigation of SARS-CoV-2 in semen samples and the effects of COVID-19 on male sexual health by using semen analysis and serum male hormone profile: A cross-sectional, pilot study

The study investigated whether there is a male reproductive system coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) phenomenon. Thirty participants who met the inclusion criteria were enrolled in the study between April and May 2020. The participants were assigned in one of the three groups including COVID-19 patients before and after treatment, and controls. Presence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) within the semen samples was investigated. Additionally, participant's demographics, semen parameters and serum sex hormone levels were compared between the groups. SARS-CoV-2 was not detected within the semen samples. Sperm morphology and serum sex hormone levels were significantly different between the groups. In the post hoc analysis, sperm morphology was significantly lower in the COVID-19 patients. Patients before treatment had significantly lower serum FSH, LH and T levels than controls. However, patients after treatment had similar serum FSH, LH and T levels with controls and patients before treatment. In our opinion, COVID-19 and its treatment had no specific deteriorative effect on male sexual health at a short-time period. In the patients before treatment, decreased serum of T, FSH and LH levels was consistent with acute patient stress due to COVID-19. Similarly, it seems that decreased sperm morphology was associated with the acute fever.

Automated summary

This study investigated the potential presence of SARS-CoV-2 in male semen samples of COVID-19 patients and compared semen parameters and hormone levels before and after treatment. The results showed that there was no viral presence in the semen samples, but significant differences were observed in sperm morphology and serum hormone levels among the groups. Overall, COVID-19 and its treatment did not have a specific deteriorative effect on male sexual health in the short term, although abnormalities in physiological indicators were noted.