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Coronavirus can survive for an extended period of time in the testes and can affect male fertility, a new study suggests.
Researchers at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine analyzed testis tissue from six autopsies and found that three of them had impaired sperm function.
Furthermore, the virus was found inside the testicle of a male patient who had been healed for some time, about a month, without ever showing any symptoms.
The lead author tells DailyMail.com that the findings suggest that up to 20% of men who survive COVID-19 may have long-term fertility problems.
A team from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine examined testicular tissue from autopsies of six men who died of COVID-19 infection and found them in a deceased patient’s testicle (right) and a patient’s testicle. living who has recovered (left)
One study author states that short-term sperm impairment can occur in 50 percent of men, but long-term impairment can occur in 10-20 percent of men. Pictured: Dr Ranjith Ramasamy (left) and Dr Thomas Masterson, assistant professor of clinical urology at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine
Lead author, Dr. Ranjith Ramasamy, associate professor and director of reproductive urology at UM’s Miller School, told DailyMail.com that it is well known that coronavirus binds to the lungs and kidneys and can cause both organs.
“The only thing that is common between the two organs is the ACE2 receptor, the receptors that Covid binds to have a very high density in these two organs,” he said.
“The most interesting thing is that actually the organ that has the highest density for ACE2 receptors is the testes.”
Ramasamy said he and his team wanted to see if this meant the virus could be found in the testicles.
For the study, published in The World Journal of Men’s Health, the researchers looked at the autopsies of nine men in Miami-Dade County.
Six of them died from COVID-19 infection, and the other three were used as control patients.
The median time from positive test to death was 11 days, with only one man testing positive after his death.
They analyzed testis tissue and found that three of the patients showed signs of impaired sperm function, including hypospermatogenesis, which is a decrease in sperm production and arrested maturation, which is when sperm cannot fully form.
Additionally, they found the virus itself inside the testicles of a 28-year-old male patient who had COVID-19 and recovered but never showed symptoms.
“So it was very surprising to say that COVId-19 will likely stay in these organs much longer even after humans test negative for the virus.”
In another study, a recent study, Ramasamy examined the sperm of 30 men for up to 60 days after COVID-19 infections.
The results showed that 19 of them had very low counts but, on follow-ups, most of them regained their initial counts.
“I believe 50 percent of men will have their sperm compromised in the acute phase, in the short term,” he said.
“I’m pretty sure, based on other viruses like HIV and mumps that behave quite similarly in affecting sperm production, I think 10 to 20 percent could have permanent impairment in fertility in the long run. . ”
Ramasamy says all men diagnosed with coronavirus who have testicular pain should see a urologist.
“In men who want to have children in the future, or are thinking about fertility in the future … I think it’s reasonable to see a urologist and evaluate the sperm count.”
It also recommends that men be allowed to freeze their semen, which can be used 10 to 15 years after the initial freezing.
For future research, the team plans to examine the relationship between COVID-19 and the reproductive system.
“I think we need to answer the question and we’re trying to see how much virus needs to be inside the testicle for sexual transmission to happen,” he said.
“Fertility is a possibility, but certainly trying to see if they can pass it on through sexual intercourse.”
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