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Review
. 2021 Nov;41(11):1885-1894.
doi: 10.1007/s00296-021-04977-2. Epub 2021 Aug 28.

COVID-19 and fertility-at the crossroads of autoimmunity and thrombosis

Javeria Tariq  1 , Tulika Chatterjee  2 , Laura Andreoli  3 , Latika Gupta  4
Affiliations
Review

COVID-19 and fertility-at the crossroads of autoimmunity and thrombosis

Javeria Tariq et al. Rheumatol Int. 2021 Nov.

Abstract

The SARS-CoV-2 virus is known to mediate attack via ACE-2 Receptor, thus having adverse effects on cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive and reproductive systems, the latter being an area of emerging concern, due to the associated impact on fertility, with potential for an outsized effect on population distribution and socioeconomic road map in subsequent years. This narrative review aims to put forth the current evidence of effect of SARS-CoV-2 on human fertility from a multipronged immunologic, haematologic, and gynaecologic perspective; highlighting the areas of contradiction and potential future measures. A literature search was conducted through the MEDLINE and SCOPUS databases to identify articles on the subject in English. Relevant information was extracted from around 300 articles for this review. The existing data give non-conclusive evidence about the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on fertility; however, a greater impact on male fertility as compared to females merits further exploration. However, reproduction and fertility is a key concern and considering the pandemic is prolonged, natural conception or ART require extra precautions.

Keywords: Autoimmunity; COVID-19; Female fertility; Male fertility; Sexual/vertical transmission.

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Conflict of interest statement

JT, LG, TC and LA report no conflicts of interest/competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Covid-19 and fertility—an immunologic basis
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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