Relationship of semen quality and reproductive hormones with susceptibility to COVID-19 infection

Abstract

Background and Aim: There is increasing evidence that semen quality reflects the overall health status of individuals and is a marker of future health. In addition, reproductive hormones have significant regulatory effects on the immune system and the function of inflammatory cells. In this study, it was aimed to investigate whether baseline semen quality and serum reproductive hormone levels are potential indicators of susceptibility to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Methods: The medical records of a total of 1303 patients who underwent semen analysis and hormonal evaluation including total testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and prolactin (PRL for infertility or other medical reasons were retrospectively analyzed. Among these patients, 316 were determined to have previously been exposed to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Results:There was no statistically significant difference in baseline hormone profile (FSH, LH, PRL, and total testosterone) and semen parameters between patients exposed to SARS-CoV-2 infection and non-exposed patients. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that baseline semen quality and serum reproductive hormone levels (total testosterone, PRL, FSH, and LH) are not indicators of susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection.