Alterations of the male and female reproductive systems induced by COVID-19

Gomes, Paulo; Rocha, Maria Debora Rodrigues da; Coelho, Francisco Alex da Rocha; Lira, John Arlley Sousa Pinho de; Carmo, Rute; Nascimento, Hélio Mateus Silva; Oliveira, Samara Marques de; Silva, Wesley Rodrigues da; Medeiros, Rebeca Galdino; Alves, Even Herlany Pereira; Carvalho, André dos Santos; Vasconcelos, Daniel Fernando Pereira

doi:10.1007/s00508-021-01875-2

Cited by 7 publications

(7 citation statements)

References 29 publications

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“…The effect of the functionality is potentiated by the reduction of zinc in the conditions of the cytokine storm and the appearance of reactive oxygen species [ 30 ]. Thus, a special attention should be given to fertile women to highlight potential ovarian damages [ 31 , 32 ]. A possible explanation of spontaneous abortions reported at the patients diagnosed with COVID-19 infection is given by the fact that ACE2 receptors are also found at the endometrium, which could negatively interfere with embryo implantation [ 33 ].…”

Section: Covid-19 and The Female Reproductive Systemmentioning

confidence: 99%

Impact of COVID-19 on fertility and assisted reproductive technology (ART): a systematic review

Săndulescu

Văduva²,

Siminel³

et al. 2022

Rom J Morphol Embryol

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The appearance of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been a major obstacle for the performing of current medical activities throughout the world. COVID-19 has affected humanity in many ways, thus causing a great medical, social, economic, and political instability. The aim of this study was to make an analysis of the scientific data obtained by so far to highlight the impact that COVID-19 has had on fertility and assisted reproductive technology (ART). Infection with SARS-CoV-2 alters the normal immune response by local and systemic damage to tissues and organs. After the virus enters the body, the first lesions are produced in the respiratory tract. Extrapulmonary lesions specific to COVID-19 include acute renal lesions/acute kidney damage, hepatocellular lesions, neurological diseases, myocardial dysfunction and arrhythmia, gastrointestinal diseases but also genital impairment. The possible impairment of the male reproductive system is because angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptors are in an increased number in the testes, seminiferous duct cells, spermatogonia, Leydig cells and Sertoli cells. Many published studies to date have pointed out that COVID-19 could also affect female fertility and disrupt the functions of the female reproductive system. The theory that this virus can also be transmitted sexually and can cause infertility or testicular damage is supported by the fact that the virus can be isolated in the semen of COVID-19 patients but only during the disease. Choosing the best method of treating infertility during the COVID-19 pandemic is multifactorial, but the risk of infection and compliance with specific ART hygiene protocols must always be considered. Currently, there is no scientific basis regarding the fact that the COVID-19 vaccination would influence fertility.

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Section: Covid-19 and The Female Reproductive Systemmentioning

confidence: 99%

Impact of COVID-19 on fertility and assisted reproductive technology (ART): a systematic review

Săndulescu

Văduva²,

Siminel³

et al. 2022

Rom J Morphol Embryol

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

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“… 16 In addition, in some studies, increased serum luteinizing hormone (LH) concentrations have been observed in men and women infected with COVID-19, which indicates the possibility of hypogonadism. 17 Other serum markers related to reproductive function, such as type 2 cysteine, are rarely mentioned in the literature, but they may also be affected by COVID-19. 18 Therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore the effects of mild/asymptomatic COVID-19 on semen parameters and sex-related hormone levels and to analyze the relationship between semen parameter values and semen collection time after infection, fever, and severity of COVID-19.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Effects of mild/asymptomatic COVID-19 on semen parameters and sex-related hormone levels in men: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Tang

Che

Chen

et al. 2022

Asian Journal of Andrology

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Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has yet to be proven to alter male reproductive function, particularly in the majority of mild/asymptomatic patients. The purpose of this study was to explore whether mild/asymptomatic COVID-19 affects semen quality and sex-related hormone levels. To find suitable comparative studies, a systematic review and meta-analysis was done up to January 22, 2022, by using multiple databases (Web of Science, PubMed, and Embase). Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were used to identify and choose the studies. Meta-analysis was used to examine the semen parameters and sex-related hormones of mild/asymptomatic COVID-19 patients before and after infection. The effects of semen collection time, fever, and intensity of verification on semen following infection were also investigated. A total of 13 studies (n = 770) were included in the analysis, including three case-control studies, six pre-post studies, and four single-arm studies. A meta-analysis of five pre-post studies showed that after infection with COVID-19, sperm concentration (I 2 = 0; P = 0.003), total sperm count (I 2 = 46.3%; P = 0.043), progressive motility (I 2 = 50.0%; P < 0.001), total sperm motility (I 2 = 76.1%; P = 0.047), and normal sperm morphology (I 2 = 0; P = 0.001) decreased. Simultaneously, a systematic review of 13 studies found a significant relationship between semen collection time after infection, inflammation severity, and semen parameter values, with fever having only bearing on semen concentration. Furthermore, there was no significant difference in sex-related hormone levels before and after infection in mild/asymptomatic patients. Mild/asymptomatic COVID-19 infection had a significant effect on semen quality in the short term. It is recommended to avoid initiating a pregnancy during this period of time.

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“… 39 These changes might be related to the rise of body temperature caused by COVID-19. 40 Opinions differ on the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in semen, with most scholars holding negative views, 41–44 but, nevertheless, some scholars have detected the genetic materials of SARS-CoV-2 in semen. 40 …”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Effects of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Inactivated Vaccine on the Outcome of Frozen Embryo Transfers: A Large Scale Clinical Study

Zhang¹,

Chen²,

Zhang³

et al. 2023

IJWH

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Background Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection is a life-threatening infectious disease that has become a global pandemic. Objective This study aimed to explore the effects of SARS-CoV-2 inactivated vaccine on the outcome of frozen embryo transfer (FET). Methods We grouped patients who underwent FET between August 2021 and March 2022 based on their vaccination status, number of doses, and the interval between the last dose and the FET, and then compared the differences in pregnancy outcomes among the groups. Results There were 1084 vaccinated patients and 1228 non-vaccinated ones. There were significant differences in the live birth rate between the vaccination and non-vaccination groups (16.61% vs 28.26%), among the one-dose, two-dose, and three-dose groups (22.28% vs 19.51% vs 7.27%), and among the groups with interval ≤ 1 month, 1–2 months, and ≥ 2 months (38.38% vs 27.27% vs 12.03%). There were significant differences in the persistent pregnancy rate between the vaccination and non-vaccination groups (22.88% vs 14.09%), among the one-dose, two-dose, and three-dose groups (14.51% vs 23.80% vs 38.18%), and among the groups with interval ≤ 1 month, 1–2 months, and ≥ 2 months (1.01% vs 8.44% vs 28.16%). There were significant differences in the neonatal weight between the vaccination and non-vaccination groups [3805.50 (3746.00–3863.50) vs 2970.00 (2500.00–3400.00)]. There were significant differences in the premature birth rate among the one-dose, two-dose, and three-dose groups (23.26% vs 34.59% vs 100.00%), and among the groups with interval ≤ 1 month, 1–2 months, and ≥ 2 months (15.79% vs 21.43% vs 37.00%). Conclusion Pregnancy outcomes were not affected by taking the SARS-CoV-2 inactivated vaccine before FET, the number of doses, and the interval between doses. These findings provide evidence supporting the safety of administering the SARS-CoV-2 inactivated vaccine during pregnancy, which can be used as a guide for vaccinating patients undergoing ART.

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Alterations of the male and female reproductive systems induced by COVID-19

Cited by 7 publications

References 29 publications

Impact of COVID-19 on fertility and assisted reproductive technology (ART): a systematic review

Impact of COVID-19 on fertility and assisted reproductive technology (ART): a systematic review

Effects of mild/asymptomatic COVID-19 on semen parameters and sex-related hormone levels in men: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Effects of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Inactivated Vaccine on the Outcome of Frozen Embryo Transfers: A Large Scale Clinical Study

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