Published July 6, 2023
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(207) ANDROLOGICAL EFFECTS OF SARS-COV-2 INFECTION: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS

Creators

  • 1. Cliniche Gavazzeni Humanitas, Endocrinology & Diabetology Unit , Bergamo, Italy
  • 2. Azienda Usl, Maggiore-Bellaria Hospital, Endocrinology Unit, Medical Department , Bologna, Italy
  • 3. IRCSS, Humanitas Research Hospital, Italy., Unit of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Medical Andrology, Rozzano , Milan, Italy
  • 4. "Sapienza" University of Rome, Policlinico Umberto I Hospital , Department of Experimental Medicine, Rome, Italy
  • 5. Sapienza University of Rome
  • 6. University of Florence , Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Florence, Italy
  • 7. University of Florence
  • 8. Maggiore Hospital Bologna , Department of Anaesthesia, Intensive Care and EMS, Bologna, Italy
  • 9. Careggi University Hospital (AOUC), University of Florence , Department of Minimally Invasive and Robotic Urologic Surgery and Kidney Transplantation, Florence, Italy
  • 10. IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, University Vita-Salute San Raffaele , Division of Experimental Oncology/Unit of Urology, URI, Milan, Italy
  • 11. Scientific Institute for Research, Hospitalization and Healthcare
  • 12. Imperial Healthcare NHS Trust, Charing Cross Hospital , Department of Urology, London, UK
  • 13. Università Federico II di Napoli , Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Sezione di Endocrinologia, Unità di Andrologia e Medicina della Riproduzione e della Sessualità Maschile e Femminile, Naples, Italy
  • 14. Federico II University , Staff of UNESCO Chair for Health Education and Sustainable Development Baldi E, Naples, Italy
  • 15. University of Florence , Endocrinology Unit, "Mario Serio" Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, Florence, Italy

Description

Abstract Objectives The short- and long-term andrological effects of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have not been clarifed. Our aim is to evaluate the available evidence regarding possible andrological consequences of COVID-19 either on seminal or hormonal parameters. The safety of the COVID-19 vaccines in terms of sperm quality was also investigated. Methods All prospective and retrospective observational studies reporting information on severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-Cov-2) mRNA semen and male genitalia tract detection (n=19), as well as those reporting data on semen analysis (n=5) and hormonal parameters (n=11) in infected/recovered patients without any arbitrary restriction were included. Results Out of 204 retrieved articles, 35 were considered, including 2092 patients and 1138 controls with a mean age of 44.1±12.6 years, and mean follow-up 24.3±18.9 days. SARS-CoV-2 mRNA can be localized in male genitalia tracts during the acute phase of the disease. COVID-19 can result in short-term impaired sperm and T production. Available data cannot clarify long-term andrological efects. Low T observed in the acute phase of the disease is associated with an increased risk of being admitted to the Intensive Care Unit or death. The two available studies showed that the use of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines does not affect sperm quality. Conclusions The results of our analysis clearly suggest that each patient recovering from COVID-19 should be monitored to rule out sperm and T abnormalities. The specifc contribution of reduced T levels during the acute phase of the infection needs to be better clarifed. Conflicts of Interest The authors declare that they have no confict of interest.
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