With the increase in numbers of COVID-19 cases again during this winter season, the concern for the impact on male fertility has arisen again as well. It is well established that any infectious disease that causes a significant fever can temporarily impact sperm. Dr. Parviz Kavoussi was recently interviewed by MedPage today to discuss the current level of knowledge on the impact of COVID-19 on male fertility. Dr. Kavoussi states, “Like all things COVID, the impact on male fertility is different than most upper respiratory illnesses. Although classically, we have considered illnesses that cause fevers to impact sperm temporarily, there is data out of Belgium showing that even in men with no fevers and very mild symptoms with COVID-19 infections semen analysis numbers drop and sperm DNA fragmentation levels increase and can take 3-6 months to return to expected baselines.” Sperm DNA fragmentation elevation may impact pregnancy and miscarriage rates.
