TITLE
Impacts of SARS-CoV2 on the male reproductive system: a narrative review
ABSTRACT
Introduction: SARS-CoV-2 can impact the male reproductive system, causing testicular infection and inflammation, in addition to affecting sperm production and testosterone levels. There have been reports of changes in sperm quality and erectile dysfunction, possibly due to physical and psychological factors. Research on long-term effects is still ongoing. Objective: To report the occurrence of functional changes in the male reproductive system possibly related to SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Methods: This study is a narrative review of the literature on changes in the male reproductive system caused by SARS-CoV-2, focusing on publications from 2020 onwards. The search, carried out in the PubMed database, revealed a scarcity of reviews on the subject. After identifying 201 articles, 55 were selected for full reading, resulting in 35 relevant articles for analysis.
Results: Immunohistochemical analyses showed the presence and changes resulting from SARS-CoV-2 infection. Studies indicate the risk of impairment in the spermatogenesis process, resulting in sperm with fewer gametes and morphologically altered spermatozoa with reduced mobility. Testicular and penile lesions have also been described, such as orchitis, inflammation of the spermatic cord, and penile ischemia. Erectile dysfunction was an important finding, probably resulting from damage to penile vascular flow. Finally, reduced testosterone levels can be observed in patients after COVID-19, possibly due to testicular lesions.
Conclusion: SARS-CoV-2 infection can cause several important changes in the male reproductive system, as well as in men’s sexual health.
