COVID-19 Infections in Gonads: Consequences on Fertility?
Horm Metab Res DOI: 10.1055/a-1891-6621COVID-19 may influence human fertility and sexuality in several ways. Different
cell types in gonads show a constitutive expression of angiotensin-converting
enzyme 2 (ACE2) and transmembrane protease serine subtype 2 (TMPRSS2), which
provide potential entry pathways for SARS-CoV-2. In addition to the biological
effects of a COVID-19 infection on the gonads, the impact of the ongoing
COVID-19 pandemic on mental health issues and sexual behavior may affect
reproduction. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the influence of
COVID-19 on the gonads and discusses possible consequences on human fertility.
In this context, the close interaction between the
hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis
in response to COVID-19-related stress is discussed. Some women noticed changes
in their menstrual cycle during the COVID-19 pandemic, which could be due to
psychological stress, for example. In addition, occasional cases of reduced
oocyte quality and ovarian function are described after COVID-19 infection. In
men, COVID-19 may cause a short-term decrease in fertility by damaging
testicular tissue and/or impairing spermatogenesis. Moreover, decreased
ratio testosterone/LH and FSH/LH in COVID-19 compared to
aged-matched healthy men has b...
Source: Hormone and Metabolic Research - Category: Endocrinology Authors: Bechmann, Nicole Maccio, Umberto Kotb, Reham Dweik, Rania Al Cherfane, Michele Moch, Holger Bornstein, Stefan R. Varga, Zsuzsanna Tags: Review Source Type: research
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