Scientists in El Paso are trying to learn as much as possible when it comes to COVID-19. Research examining COVID-19 and sperm are suggesting potential risks for male infertility, along with sexual transmission.
JAMA, analyzed semen samples of 38 COVID-19 patients and found the presence of the virus in 15 percent of patients.
Dr. John Aitken says that the data shows active cases dramatically reduce testosterone to luteinizing hormones.
via KTSM
Aitken says this finding is to be expected because the blood-testis barriers offer little defense against viral invasion. Pathogenic viruses like HIV, hepatitis, mumps, and HPV have been linked to testes damage that causes host infertility. The presence of the virus in the testes also leaves the host susceptible to transmitting the disease to sexual partners.
“It should be emphasized spermatozoa have a demonstrable capacity to carry viral infections from the male to the female reproductive tract,” said Aitken. “As happens during the sexual transmission of Zika, for example.”
The corona-shaped spike that gives the virus its name targets ACE2 enzymes that are found in many testes cell types. Additionally, the COVID-19 virus may also gain access to male sperm cells once they leave the testes, which could be very dangerous in terms of transmission.