Can COVID-19 Be Detected in Human Semen?

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, patients and healthcare providers have wondered about the impact of this virus on every aspect of human reproduction. On a daily basis, statistics and recommendations continue to evolve. There is still much to learn about maternal, paternal, and fetal effects of this virus including can COVID-19 be detected in human semen?

Does COVID-19 Affect Sperm Quality?

Until recently, experts did not know whether COVID-19 could be detected in human semen. A study out of Germany provides the first attempt to answer this question. These investigators compared three groups of men:

(1) men recovering from COVID-19

(2) men with acute COVID-19 infection

(3) a control group of men with no evidence of prior or ongoing COVID-19 infection

These researchers found that patients with active infection demonstrated a reduction in semen quality. They did not find evidence of COVID-19 in the semen of any of the study participants, however.

Can COVID-19 Be Transmitted By Sperm During Infertility Treatment?

These results are encouraging and suggest that the COVID-19 virus does not appear to be present in human semen. Therefore, COVID-19 should not be transmitted during sexual contact and/or fertility treatment in human semen. Larger studies are needed to confirm these results, and we are hopeful that in the coming months we will better understand the impact of COVID-19 on maternal, paternal, and fetal outcomes. At Fertility Centers of New England, we maintain our commitment to patient safety, and we will continue to work diligently to help our patients build their families in the healthiest, safest way possible.

If you have more questions on coronavirus and fertility or can COVID-19 be detected in human semen, please contact us.