Update on andrological effects of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and COVID‐19: An overview review

Abstract

BackgroundEvidence indicates a wide range of andrological alterations in patients with the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome CoronaVirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection and Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID‐19).AimTo provide an update on the andrological effects of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and COVID‐19.MethodsPubMed/MEDLINE and Institutional websites were searched for randomized clinical trials, non‐systematic reviews, systematic reviews, and meta‐analyses.ResultsFifty‐four records were included from 2020 to 2024. The most representative paper categories were non‐systematic reviews (n = 26) and systematic reviews/meta‐analyses (n = 27). One randomized, prospective, phase 2 trial was also included. Eight topics were identified and discussed as follows: short‐ and long‐term seminal changes attributable to SARS‐CoV‐2 infection or COVID‐19; andrological effects of anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccines; the potential impact of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and COVID‐19 on male fertility; the relationship between serum testosterone levels and COVID‐19 prognosis in men; fertility care during the pandemic; urinary/genital male system tract impairment in SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and COVID‐19; the effect of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and COVID‐19 on circulating levels of sex steroid hormones; the impact of SARS‐CoV‐2 and COVID‐19 on sexual function and activity.DiscussionSARS‐CoV‐2 can affect the whole testicular function through direct and indirect mechanisms, with a positive relation between the severity of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and the level of deterioration of testicular function. Testicular function recovers along with the recovery from the disease. In vitro fertilization techniques ensure similar results in patients with or without previous SARS‐CoV‐2 infection or COVID‐19. Immunization with anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccines prevents andrological complaints due to naturally occurring infection. Erectile dysfunction and sexual dysfunction are frequently diagnosed in COVID‐19 patients due to several contributing factors, including hormonal imbalance and psychosocial complaints related to the pandemic.