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Comparison of Semen Parameters in the Same Patients Before and After Diagnosis of COVID-19
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  • C. Cakir,
  • G. Kuspinar,
  • G. Kurt,
  • M. Berber,
  • K. Aslan,
  • I. Kasapoglu,
  • G. Uncu,
  • B. Avcı
C. Cakir
Uludag University School of Medicine

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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G. Kuspinar
Uludag University School of Medicine
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G. Kurt
Uludag University School of Medicine
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M. Berber
Uludag University School of Medicine
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K. Aslan
Uludag University School of Medicine
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I. Kasapoglu
Uludag University School of Medicine
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G. Uncu
Uludag University School of Medicine
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B. Avcı
Uludag University School of Medicine
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Abstract

Clinical and histopathological evidence suggest that the male reproductive system may be negatively impacted in patients with coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) on semen parameters by comparing semen analyses before and after COVID-19 diagnosis in the same patient. We retrospectively analyzed 342 semen analyses by reviewing medical records. The study included two groups of patients: (i) those who underwent two consecutive semen analyses within 6 months, one before (n=114) and one after (n=114) COVID-19 diagnosis, and (ii) a control group (n=114) that was age-matched and did not receive a diagnosis of COVID-19. The study results indicated a significant decrease in semen volume, total sperm count per ejaculate, progressive motile sperm count, total motile sperm count, and normal sperm morphology after SARS-CoV-2 infection in comparison to their respective values before the infection. Subgroup analyses showed that the duration of COVID-19 diagnosis (short-term vs long-term) did not impact the changes in semen parameters. However, fever during the COVID-19 process had a negative effect on semen parameters, particularly sperm concentration, unlike in patients without fever. In conclusion, our findings suggest that SARS-CoV-2 infection is associated with a decline in semen quality, which may potentially impact male fertility. Furthermore, it’s important to note that the negative effects on semen parameters may persist in the long-term. Our results also indicate that fever during active infection could be a significant risk factor that negatively affects spermatogenesis.
28 Apr 2023Submitted to Journal of Medical Virology
29 Apr 2023Submission Checks Completed
29 Apr 2023Assigned to Editor
29 Apr 2023Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
01 May 2023Reviewer(s) Assigned
02 Jun 2023Editorial Decision: Revise Major
31 Jul 20231st Revision Received
01 Aug 2023Submission Checks Completed
01 Aug 2023Assigned to Editor
01 Aug 2023Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
02 Aug 2023Reviewer(s) Assigned
31 Aug 2023Editorial Decision: Accept