Does Covid-19 affect male fertility?
We’ve spoken before about the factors that can affect the quality of sperm. From alcohol and environmental endocrine factors to anabolic steroids and fevers. But now, according to new research, there’s another item to add to the list – and that’s Covid-19.
Detailed in a National Institutes of Health-funded research study, which looked at whether the Covid-19 vaccination reduces a couple’s chances of conception, researchers discovered that although having the coronavirus jab won’t reduce your chances of conceiving, it can have a temporary impact on male fertility.
COVID-19 could temporarily reduce male fertility
The study, which was published on January 20th, 2022, says: “Researchers found no differences in the chances of conception if either male or female partner had been vaccinated, compared to unvaccinated couples.
“However, couples had a slightly lower chance of conception if the male partner had been infected with SARS-CoV-2 within 60 days before a menstrual cycle, suggesting that COVID-19 could temporarily reduce male fertility.”
According to the research, if a male partner had tested positive with the virus within 60 days of a given cycle, a couple would be 18% less likely to conceive in that cycle.
However, there was no difference in conception rates for couples in which the male partner had tested positive more than 60 days before a cycle, compared to couples in which the male partner had not tested positive.
So why is that?
As noted in the study ,a fever – which is known to reduce sperm count and motility – is common during the covid-19 infection. Therefore, it could explain the temporary decline in fertility the researchers observed where the male partner had a recent infection.
While other possible reasons could be down to inflammation in the testes and nearby tissues and erectile dysfunction – all of which are common after the covid-19 infection.
But here’s the good news!
There are ways to boost your fertility levels. Along with improved nutrition, antioxidants, assorted supplements and having an ideal body mass index between 20 to 25, the Chinese art of acupuncture could help with male fertility levels.
As Acupuncturist Denise Callaghan explains: “Unfortunately, it’s no secret that male fertility levels have been declining since the 1940s. And now, as the ongoing coronavirus pandemic continues to make its way around the globe, researchers have been able to document its impact on male fertility.
“The good news is that male fertility can be helped – especially through the power of acupuncture as it helps to improve blood flow which helps to deliver nutrients to the teste which promotes optimal sperm vitality.”
And there’s research to back this up
Along with acupuncture helping to promote optimal sperm vitality, clinical studies have shown this ancient Chinse practise to restore the free flow of energy (Chi) throughout the body to promote physical and mental wellness.
“Which can have a big impact when it comes to fertility problems,” Denise concludes.
If you are struggling with your sperm count, do get in touch with Denise. Denise has more than 20 years’ experienced in the business of acupuncture for fertility, having worked with hundreds of couples who weren’t managing to conceive naturally.
She also has travelled to China to learn the art of Acupuncture and refined her studies with the Zita West fertility clinic in London.
To find out more, get in touch with Denise today.
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