SARS-COV-2 IS RECOGNIZED IN MEN'S SPERM WITH COVID-19

30 July 20202′ read1 sections

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is present in the semen of some patients with COVID-19, including patients who are recovering, according to a study published online in JAMA Network Open.

Diangeng Li, PhD, of the Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital in Beijing, and colleagues examined all male patients with confirmed COVID-19 between January 26 and February 16, 2020, at Shangqiu Municipal Hospital. Thirty-eight enrolled patients were asked to provide a semen sample for SARS-CoV-2 testing.

Of the 38 participants, 23 had achieved clinical recovery and 15 were in the acute stage of infection. The researchers found that 6 patients (15.8%) tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, including 4 who were in the acute stage of infection and 2 who had recovered (26.7% and 8.7%, respectively). Patients with negative and positive test results did not differ in age, history of urogenital disease,days of hospitalisation or days since clinical recovery.

Spermatogenesis still occurs in men with testicular cancer

Spermatogenesis occurs in most men with testicular cancer, often away from the tumours, according to a study published online in BJU International.

Jemma A. Moody, of King's College London, and colleagues retrospectively examined 103 testicular germ cell tumours (TGCTs) in men who underwent radical orchiectomy (between 2011 and 2015) to estimate the frequency and predictors of spermatogenesis.

The researchers found that spermatogenesis was present in 70% of patients. Spermatogenesis was widespread in 63% of these patients and focal in 38%. The tumour type, stage, the presence of microlithiasis and tumour markers did not predict spermatogenesis. Spermatogenesis was 82% less likely in men whose tumour occupied >50% of the testis than in those whose tumour occupied <50%.

"These findings can help predict and guide successful surgical sperm retrieval in testes with TGCT," the researchers write. "The finding of focal spermatogenesis in one third of patients would support a microsurgical approach to sperm retrieval at the time of orchiectomy to maximise success."

*The content of this blog is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified healthcare providers with any questions you may have about medical conditions.

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ABOUT THE DOCTOR

Dr. Alexandros Traianos

Gynecologist · Specialist in Reproductive Medicine and Fetal Medicine

He supports scientific excellence in clinical practice and recognizes the possibilities offered by modern reproductive methods to couples who wish to have a child of their own.

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The content of this article is for information only and does not replace a medical examination and advice.

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Frequently Asked Questions most frequently.

Infertility is defined as the failure to achieve conception after one year (or 6 months in the case of a woman over the age of 35) of normal, regular sexual intercourse. In other words, when a year has passed without the woman becoming pregnant, the couple should consult their treating physician, so that the cause preventing pregnancy can be identified and subsequently addressed. However, we should all be aware and not forget that age is the most critical factor for female fertility, and that an individualized approach to each couple is the "golden key" that solves the problem.

Of course not. In approximately one third of cases, infertility is due to the woman (female factor), while in another third of cases it is due to the man (male factor). In the remaining third, it is due to both partners (both the man and the woman) or even to unknown factors.

• alcohol • narcotic substances • environmental toxins, including pesticides and lead • smoking • health problems • medications • radiotherapy and chemotherapy • age

In general, specialists agree that the fact that a couple has already had a child may be considered evidence that, at least initially, there is no infertility problem. It is like a small test that has been carried out and shows that they “succeeded” at least once. On the other hand, however, we should be aware that circumstances may have changed in the meantime and that a problem may have developed (e.g., the man may have had an inflammation affecting the quality of his sperm, or something may have occurred that affects female fertility: an inflammation, gynecological surgery, an abortion, etc.). In any case, therefore, if a reasonable period of time (one year) passes and a couple is unable to achieve a pregnancy, then, with the help of their doctor, they should investigate whether a problem causing infertility has arisen.

Success rates vary at each IVF center. Very important factors also include the woman’s age, her hormone levels, and, of course, her husband’s sperm. In general, rates are around 45% or slightly higher for women up to 35 years of age.

The number of treatment cycles a woman may undergo is not fixed. It is certain that in our country there are highly qualified obstetrician-gynecologists and well-organized infertility treatment centers that provide excellent medical services in this field. Provided that the appropriate indications are present (e.g., ovaries that respond to stimulation treatment, a good-quality endometrium, etc.), the success rate—particularly with the use of newer techniques and biotechnological medicines, which demonstrate increased bioactivity compared with conventional urine-derived medicines—reaches a cumulative rate of approximately 65%–70% after 4 treatment cycles.

Egg retrieval takes 10–15 minutes, is not painful, is performed under sedation, and after the procedure is completed you can return to your activities.

The association between IVF medications and the risk of developing cancer is the greatest concern for women participating in these programs. However, numerous literature references gathered from reliable scientific studies and published in reputable medical journals worldwide are reassuring and do not confirm this concern.

At Dr. Traianos' Reproductive Medicine Center, we offer egg and sperm cryopreservation services for individuals who have a personal or medical reason and require this service. We use the most advanced vitrification technique for the freezing of sperm and eggs.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is present in the semen of some patients with COVID-19, including patients who are recovering, according to a study published online in JAMA Network Open.

Spermatogenesis still occurs in men with testicular cancer

The first step is a discussion.

Frequently Asked Questions most frequently.

When is a couple considered infertile?

Is infertility only a female problem?

What increases the risk of male infertility?

I already have one child, but I am now having difficulty becoming pregnant again. Could a problem have arisen with me or with my partner?

What is the success rate of in vitro fertilization?

How many times can a woman undergo in vitro fertilization (IVF)?

Is egg retrieval painful?

Can IVF medications cause cancer?

Can I freeze my eggs or my sperm?