University of Miami study reveals potential impacts of COVID-19 on male fertility – NBC 6 South Florida

A new study from the Miller School of Medicine at the University of Miami has discovered the potential impacts of COVID-19 on male fertility and sexually transmitted diseases.

During autopsies of six men who died from the coronavirus, researchers found that some of the men had impaired sperm function and later found that the virus had invaded testicular tissue.

“We also identified the presence of the virus in a man who had a testicular biopsy for infertility but had a history of COVID-19,” said Dr Ranjith Ramasamy, associate professor and director of reproductive urology at the Miller School.

“So the patient tested negative and was asymptomatic after having COVID-19 but still showed the presence of the virus inside the testes.”

Researchers say it makes sense for the testes to be targeted with COVID-19 infection. They say the virus has an affinity for angiotensin converting enzyme receptors, which are found in many organs in the body, such as the kidneys, lungs, heart, and testes.

The study then asked how much virus had to be present in the testes to be detected in semen, which can be transmitted sexually.

It is not unusual for a virus to affect a man’s fertility. Mumps has been shown to enter the testes, causing inflammation and interfering with sperm production.

More research needs to be done in order to fully understand how testicular tissue responds to COVID-19, but researchers say this current study is a step forward towards a better understanding of the virus.

For now, men of all ages who have COVID-19 and experience testicular pain are suggested to make an appointment to speak with a urologist.