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Review
. 2022 Mar;34(2):138-144.
doi: 10.1038/s41443-021-00483-y. Epub 2021 Oct 27.

Effects of SARS CoV-2, COVID-19, and its vaccines on male sexual health and reproduction: where do we stand?

Sharon P Lo  1 , Tung-Chin Hsieh  2 , Alexander W Pastuszak  1 , James M Hotaling  1 , Darshan P Patel  3
Affiliations
Review

Effects of SARS CoV-2, COVID-19, and its vaccines on male sexual health and reproduction: where do we stand?

Sharon P Lo et al. Int J Impot Res. 2022 Mar.

Abstract

Since severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was first discovered, there have been questions surrounding the effects of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and more recently the COVID-19 vaccine, on men's health and fertility. Significant research has been conducted to study viral tropism, potential causes for gender susceptibility, the impact of COVID-19 on male sexual function in the acute and recovery phases, and the effects of the virus on male reproductive organs and hormones. This review provides a recent assessment of the literature regarding the impact of COVID-19 and its vaccine on male sexual health and reproduction.

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Conflict of interest statement

SPL has no disclosures. TCH has the following to disclose: • Boston Scientific—advisor, consultant • Endo Pharmaceuticals—Advisor, consultant. AWP has the following to disclose: • Endo Pharmaceuticals—advisor, speaker, consultant, research and fellowship support. • Antares Pharmaceuticals—advisor. • Inherent Biosciences—advisor. • Woven Health—founder and leadership position. • Vault Health—Leadership position. JMH has the following to disclose: • Endo Pharmaceuticals—research and fellowship grant. • Boston Scientific—fellowship grant. • Turtle Health, Maximus—consultant/advisory board. • Nanonc (microfluidic sperm sorting company), StreamDx, Andro360, inherent biosciences—leadership position/founder. DPP has the following to disclose: • Acerus Pharmaceuticals—research grant.

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