Semen characteristics of individuals before and after Covishield™ vaccination

Abstract

Concern about fertility impairment after vaccination is one of the reasons for vaccine hesitancy in the population. This retrospective observational study aims to understand the impact of CovishieldTM (ChAdOx1 nCoV- 19 Corona Virus Vaccine, Recombinant) COVID-19 vaccination on ejaculate quality in fifty-three patients undergoing semen analysis between 2018 to 2021. A baseline semen profile was recorded from the subjects during their visit before the vaccination for fertility work-up. Follow-up ejaculates were provided approximately 82 (Q1:37, Q3:124) days after the second dose of vaccination. Semen characteristics such as volume, sperm concentration, sperm motility, and morphological abnormalities were recorded. Of the 53 subjects, 33 (62%) had semen characteristics above the WHO reference. In general, no significant variations in the semen parameters were observed except for a moderate decline in sperm morphology (p< 0.05). The baseline semen characteristics in 20 (38%) subjects were below the WHO reference range; however, no significant decline in the ejaculate quality was observed in their follow-up samples. Further, none of the ejaculates in both study groups were azoospermic during the follow-up evaluation. Our results affirm that CovishieldTM vaccine is not detrimental to male fertility.

COVID-19 vaccine and its effect on sperm

“…The authors reported that the baseline sperm parameters of 20 (38%) of their patients were below the WHO standard range; nevertheless, no significant reduction in ejaculate quality was found in their follow-up samples. Meitei et al (2022) also found that no ejaculates in either study group were azoospermic during the follow-up evaluation. The findings in this report confirm that the Covishield™ vaccine has no negative effects on male fertility ( Meitei et al 2022 ).…”

“… Meitei et al (2022) also found that no ejaculates in either study group were azoospermic during the follow-up evaluation. The findings in this report confirm that the Covishield™ vaccine has no negative effects on male fertility ( Meitei et al 2022 ). We are all concerned that, despite its benefits, COVID-19 immunization could be harmful.…”

“…We would like to share ideas on the recent article by Meitei et al (2022) published in this journal. The authors reported that the baseline sperm parameters of 20 (38%) of their patients were below the WHO standard range; nevertheless, no significant reduction in ejaculate quality was found in their follow-up samples.…”

Effects of COVID-19 vaccination on human fertility: a post-pandemic literature review

“…In a study by Meitei et al. males who received viral vector vaccines were the only subjects, and no significant changes in semen parameters were observed, except for a moderate decline in sperm morphology [ 57 ].…”

COVID-19 and Male Infertility: Is There a Role for Antioxidants?

“…No significant difference was observed in men (both with normal or abnormal semen analysis before vaccination) before and after vaccine administration, except morphology, which showed a moderate decline, probably clinically insignificant as it was within WHO reference values. Follow-up semen samples were obtained approximately 83 days after the second dose [ 89 ]. Until now, there have been no concerns regarding the safety of inactivated virus and viral vector vaccines on semen quality based on current literature published.…”