COVID-19 and Male Fertility: Infection Vs Vaccines

COVID-19 and male fertility, find out how getting infected and getting vaccinated can make a huge difference for your sperm quality and quantity. 

Does COVID-19 Infection Affect Male Fertility?

A COVID-19 infection does have a negative impact on male fertility. Several studies across the world have found the reason behind coronavirus causing male infertility.

Effects of COVID-19 Infection

Coronavirus requires a certain type of protein called ACE2 receptors to bond with the human immune system before causing an infection. The ACE2 receptors are found on the cell surfaces surrounding the lungs, heart, mouth, and other sensitive organs. Thus, the common cause of COVID-19 deaths pertained to multiple organ failures.

Individuals who suffered from organ damage due to previous ailments constituted the death tolls. Infected patients suffered liver failure, heart attacks, kidney failure, and experienced shortness of breath due to lung failure. 

Effects of COVID-19 Infection on the Male Reproductive System

So how does this affect the male reproductive organs? The highest concern for researchers once they found out that ACE2 receptors were the only binding proteins was male fertility. The male reproductive organ had the densest population of ACE2 receptors. 

ACE2 receptors control sexual erection in men. They maintain a healthy sperm count by regulating testosterone. ACE2 receptors are also responsible for the volume of interstitial fluid. 

The concerns of the researchers were confirmed when infected men exhibited symptoms such as:

• 39% were diagnosed with low sperm count even after fathering at least one child without medical assistance
• 19% experienced scrotal discomfort 
• 33% samples showed diminished semen quality
• Premature sperm death 
• 516% reduction in sperm concentration
• 209% decreases in swimming abilities

Apart from the above data, post mortems showed inflammation prohibiting sperm production. 

How Long Does COVID-19 Caused Male Infertility Last? 

Though the numbers shown in the above data are dispiriting, the number of participants involved in the study is not enough to draw a conclusion. 

Since psychological well-being, pandemic stress, health, and depression can also be contributing factors, researchers say, these effects may go away once everything else returns to normal. 

Currently, undergoing studies are researching how long the fertility effects after COVID-19 infection last. Whether psychological or medical treatment could be of use. 

Does COVID-19 Vaccine Affect Male Fertility?

Studies have proven that COVID-19 vaccines and male fertility have no relation. COVID-19 vaccines can never induce or aggravate fertility complications in both men and women. 

Unlike the COVID-19 infection, vaccines do not alter the DNA structure of an individual. mRNA vaccines are used to prepare the immune system for a viral invasion. The probability of developing infertility down the years is also negative. Any vaccine side effects such as hair loss, rashes, and allergies will not last more than two months. 

Men experiencing high fever and fatigue immediately after being vaccinated may experience low libido. These symptoms will go away once health is regained. The same goes for women who miss menstruation following vaccination.