Several studies have shown that the coronavirus could have an impact on fertility. In a recent study, American researchers suggested that severe Covid-19 infection could reduce male fertility.
- Covid-19 could infect the testicles via two proteins.
- A severe Covid-19 infection could lead to inflammation, orchitis, testicular pain and affect male fertility.
Every day, health professionals and scientists learn more about the effects of long Covid or severe forms of the coronavirus. A study, published in the journal Nature Reviews Urology November 26, revealed that severe Covid-19 infection can affect male fertility. The results of this research have not yet been confirmed.
Researchers from the University of Georgia in the United States, who carried out the work, looked at the different ways the virus can target and infect testicular cells. For this, they studied the available data on the interaction of the coronavirus with the body’s cells and previous research on the impact of other viruses on the testicles.
Covid-19 infects the testicles
In this study, the researchers recalled that Covid-19 can infect multiple organs throughout the body via two main proteins: receptors for angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and serine 2 transmembrane protease. “These proteins allow the virus to enter cells directly. (…) The testicles produce these two proteins, which could make them susceptible to infection”can we read in a publication of the University of Georgia.
“Autopsy reports have shown side effects of the virus in the testicles. These include inflammation and orchitis, testicular pain, as well as rupture of the blood-testis barrier, and in some cases even , the virus is found in the liquid secreted by the body during ejaculation”, explained Clayton Edenfield, co-author of the study.
Effects on male fertility
According to scientists, a severe form of Covid-19 could damage the blood-testis barrier, which acts like a wall, preventing toxins and viruses from entering the body. In this case, “we would observe a very strong reduction in fertility”, they indicated.
According to Clayton Edenfield, the worst-case scenario would be for the virus to attack germ cells, which are responsible for creating new sperm, which could have lasting deleterious effects on fertility and lead to birth defects.
“Fortunately, most people of childbearing age are safe from severe cases, but for 1% of those affected, the virus could cause serious consequences”concluded Clayton Edenfield.
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