Recovering from the Covid-19 infection is seriously challenging. The fatality rate has been climbing since the start as it currently stands at 1.4%. However, patients have reported eased symptoms by maintaining social distancing.
Since the infection seeps through the immune system, it causes the body to generate a natural inflammatory response, which results in fever. Fever usually affects sperm count.
Along with fever weakening the sperm count, it is of interest to know that in a recent study undertaken by Dr. Sheldon Marks MD, from DadsAgain (ICVR – International Center for Vasectomy Reversal), the Covid-19 infection could pose long-term threats to the testosterone of adult males.
The statement is backed with evidence of damaged testosterone among male Covid-19 patients included in the study. However, it is essential to acknowledge that whether the damaged testosterone level was a resultant effect of the virus or the fever is yet to be known. In this article, we’ll share some interesting findings on a potential link between Covid-19 and male fertility in the future.
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It’s Not Just the Elderly…
As bad as it may sound, the Covid-19 can pose risks to male fertility.The studies on the infection having any potential to damage fertility have revealed another horrible finding on long-term complications of the virus. As the elderly are considered more vulnerable to contract the virus, they may not be the only ones in grave danger, in terms of fertility. Yes, recent studies have observed that the impact of the infection on testicles may vary among people of different age bands. The findings of such studies have revealed that younger people may be at grave risk of fertility damage by the infection than the elderly. Carrying the infection in the testes for a prolonged time can have adverse long-term consequences for the fertility of the patients.
Shocking Findings from the Examination of the Testosterone of Asymptomatic Patients
The findings from the examination of testes of asymptomatic patients have cautioned researchers and doctors about the adverse implications of the virus on the body of the patient. A person that has tested positive, but shows no symptoms of the infection, could be called to showing a strong immune response to the virus.
However, in a recent examination of a 29-year-old male adult’s testes, it was observed that the infection was present in the testicles of the patient even after a successful recovery from the infection. Even though the patient was asymptomatic, what concerns the researchers is that the presence of the virus in the testes for a potentially longer period could pose harm to the testosterone levels. Similarly, another case was also reported, where a man who successfully recovered from the virus, voluntarily reported fertility issues. Upon examination of the testicles, fertility damage was observed and the man voluntarily underwent a testes biopsy.
Why Do You Need to See a Specialist if you Feel Pain in your Testicles?
The pain in testicles may not be usual pain as doctors and researchers have cautioned people to get tested soon if they feel any pain in their testicles. Examination of tissues of affected patients has revealed testicular damage caused by the infection. As the infection continues to spread at a quick pace, we recommend you to see a urologist if you feel any sort of pain in the testicles. Remember, precaution is better than cure.
Also, the pain in the testicles could be an alarming signal to you as it could be a sign of infection trespassed through the immune system. You may want to get your testosterone examined if you’re uncertain about its efficacy. You can get yourself checked by having a baseline testosterone test. Remember, your testosterone will be tested with a combined examination of the samples from your blood test and the sperm count.
What Happens to the Sperm Count?
It is commonly known that the natural inflammatory response of the body to infection results in a fever. Fever whether prolonged or one that lasts for a few days would certainly cause harm to sperm productivity. It’s sometimes even worse for the sperm count. There are instances where the fever may go off, but the sperm levels may not rejuvenate to their previously healthy count. Maturity of the sperm count may take two to three months.
While raising concerns of potential harm to sperm count due to Covid-19 infection, it is worth knowing that there is no conclusive evidence on how the sperm count may be affected among symptomatic patients. This lack of evidence also necessitates more in-depth research on reduced sperm count including a larger sample as well as focusing on asymptomatic patients.
It’s Too Early to Say Anything…
Experts who have been closely examining the testosterone of infected patients including the deceased as well have predicted that the Covid-19 infection would certainly cause fertility problems for around 20% of the infected patients. Since the infection is reported to be present in the testes, it seems essential to inquire whether such a problem could become a cause for a new sexually transmitted disease. Researchers are speculating that the sperms counts may also be damaged due to poor oxygen saturation in the blood. Hence it seems imperative to conduct this study on a much larger scale and include hundreds of adult males in the sample. Evaluating their testosterone over a follow-up period is also needed to share any conclusive findings on the matter.
Get Your Sperm Count Evaluated
If you’ve successfully recovered from the virus, we highly recommend that you get your sperm count evaluated. Even if you feel no pain, it would help you to monitor your testosterone closely and take meaningful precautions. We also recommend that you get your sperm count checked after three months from your first examination. After three months, the sperm levels mature to their productivity levels, so it would be favorable.