shot-button
Ganesh Chaturthi Ganesh Chaturthi
Home > Lifestyle News > Health And Fitness News > Article > Can Covid 19 temporarily affect the sperm quality

Can Covid-19 temporarily affect the sperm quality?

Updated on: 26 January,2024 07:34 AM IST  |  Beijing
IANS |

A recent study showed the sperm concentration and total sperm number were significantly lower after Covid-19 infection compared to before. However, in the recovery period, the sperm concentration, total sperm count, progressive motility, and normal morphology significantly increased

Can Covid-19 temporarily affect the sperm quality?

Image for representational purposes only. Photo Courtesy: iStock

Covid-19 infection can impact the quality of sperm, but only temporarily, according to a study.


The Covid-19 pandemic has raised concerns regarding its potential impact on male reproductive health. However, the impact of Covid-19 on sperm quality remains uncertain.


A team of Chinese researchers aimed to investigate the short-term and relatively long-term effects of Covid-19 infection on sperm quality. They included a total of 85 males with fertility requirements, who underwent semen evaluation at Guilin People's Hospital between June 2022 and July 2023.


Changes in semen parameters were analysed across three specific timeframes: within 6 months before Covid-19 infection, within 3 months after Covid-19 infection, and three-six months after Covid-19 recovery.

The results, published in Virology Journal, revealed that the sperm concentration and total sperm number were significantly lower after infection compared to before. However, in the recovery period, the sperm concentration, total sperm count, progressive motility, and normal morphology significantly increased.

Comparing the three periods, the most significant difference was observed in sperm concentration, which exhibited a significant decrease after infection but returned to normal levels after recovery from Covid-19.

"These findings suggest that Covid-19 may exert some impact on sperm quality, particularly evidenced by decreased sperm concentration post-infection," said Qi-Feng Zhang, Department of Andrology at the Hospital in China.

"Our subsequent research across three specific time frames, before Covid-19 infection, within three months after infection, and three-six months after recovery, reaffirmed a noteworthy decrease in sperm concentration and total sperm count after infection, but within three to six months after recovery, the sperm concentration returned to the pre-infection level.

"This provides conclusive evidence for the impact of Covid-19 on sperm cycle-dependent parameters, with a possible mechanism involving temporary suppression of sperm production due to SARS-CoV-2 infection, specifically through the temporal immune-mediated arrest of active meiosis. However, this mechanism is temporary," Zhang said.

However, further research is needed to explore the underlying mechanisms and long-term implications of these observed changes in semen parameters, the researchers said.

This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!

Register for FREE
to continue reading !

This is not a paywall.
However, your registration helps us understand your preferences better and enables us to provide insightful and credible journalism for all our readers.

Mid-Day Web Stories

Mid-Day Web Stories

This website uses cookie or similar technologies, to enhance your browsing experience and provide personalised recommendations. By continuing to use our website, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy. OK