Resolution of sperm quality impairment following SARS-CoV-2 infection: A prospective study

Abstract

Objective:To investigate the length of time required to resolve COVID-19 effects on semen quality and DNA integrity.Methods:A prospective cohort study was conducted among 42 men who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 and underwent semen analysis at baseline and four months' post-recovery. Semen samples were collected and evaluated for macroscopic and microscopic parameters, sperm chromatin maturation, and DNA fragmentation.Results:The mean age of participants was 37(+/- 7) years, and 14 had normozoospermia at baseline. After a four-month recovery from COVID-19, 48 of patients had normozoospermia. Sperm count, motility, and morphology increased significantly, while sperm DNA fragmentation and sperm chromatin maturation decreased significantly post-recovery from COVID-19.Conclusions:Sperm parameters improve after a four-month recovery from COVID-19. The findings indicate significant improvements in sperm count, motility, morphology, DNA fragmentation, and chromatin maturation after a four-month recovery period.