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SARS-COV2 and fertility (Master thesis)

Σπανάκης, Βλάσιος/ Spanakis, Vlasios/ Ανθρώπινη Αναπαραγωγή

The emergence of COVID-19 pandemic exhibits multiple impacts on public health, as it is characterized as a multisystemic disease. Its role as an affecting factor for male and female fertility has been well documented and studied in multiple scientific studies. This review included data from the databases Pubmed, Scopus and Google Scholar. The data available so far, point towards short-term fertility disorders in both sexes. In women, menstrual cycle disorders and changes in ovarian reserve indices are reported. These disorders appear to improve within months. In assisted reproductive therapies the outcome of the procedures does not show changes when the procedures are scheduled after a recovery period in either sex. In men, reversible disorders or sperm parameters such as motility and concentration are observed. Pregnant women present an increased risk of adverse obstetric outcomes, mainly due to extensive inflammation. Vertical transmission of the virus is evaluated in the literature as rare. Vaccination itself does not show a negative effect on fertility, pregnancy or the outcome of ART. On the contrary, it is associated with a reduction in severe illness and complications. In conclusion, the effects of SARS-CoV-2 on fertility appear to be short-term and vaccination emerges as a beneficial and safe measure for prophylaxis against it.