港大研究：感染新冠病毒会使男性患者睾丸萎缩、生育能力下降

According to a comprehensive report by Hong Kong media on February 20, infection with the new coronavirus may reduce the gonadal function and fertility of male patients. These problems will still be affected even after recovery. The research results were discovered by the Department of Microbiology of the University of Hong Kong (hereinafter referred to as "HKU") and published in the medical journal "Clinical Infectious Diseases".

Screenshot of RTHK report

It is reported that the HKU research team found through experiments that hamsters infected with the new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) suffered acute testicular damage, chronic testicular atrophy and a decrease in testosterone in the serum (even if the infected virus was a moderate amount).

Previously, according to relevant scientific research records, some patients infected with the new coronavirus had testicular pain. One of them was for a male patient who died from the new coronavirus. The autopsy also showed symptoms of testicularitis.

A study published in "Clinical Medicine" titled "Testicular damage caused by intranasal infection of new coronavirus type 2 can be prevented by vaccination" conducted the following experiments:

The experiment divided the hamsters into two groups, the experimental group was hamsters infected with the new coronavirus, and the control group was hamsters infected with influenza A virus. Then the researchers compared the changes in testicles and sex hormones of the two groups of hamsters.

In the study, the HKU research team compared the hamsters in the experiment and found that the hamsters infected with the new coronavirus in the experimental group developed mild self-healing pneumonia that could be cured without treatment. However, within 4 to 7 days of infection, the hamsters’ sperm count and serum testosterone dropped sharply. Between 42 and 120 days after infection, the hamsters showed symptoms such as testicular atrophy, reduced size and weight, and significantly reduced levels of sex hormones in the body.

At the same time, researchers found through microscopes that the hamster's testicles showed symptoms such as acute inflammation, bleeding, necrosis of the seminiferous tubules, and cessation of sperm production. From 7 to 120 days after infection, inflammation, degeneration and necrosis of testicular tissue continue. Hamsters infected with influenza A virus in the control group showed no testicular infection or damage.

Hamsters' testicles atrophy 120 days after being infected with coronavirus

Source: Official website of the University of Hong Kong

Therefore, by comparing the changes in testicles and sex hormones in two groups of hamsters, the researchers concluded that infection with the new coronavirus will cause male hypogonadism and reduced fertility, and that patients will be affected even after recovery.

In addition, researchers also said that the new coronavirus mutant strains Omicron and Delta can also cause similar damage to male patients.

According to Yuan Guoyong, chair professor of the Department of Microbiology at the University of Hong Kong and leader of the study, "Male patients infected with COVID-19 may experience reduced sexual desire and fertility during the recovery period, and vaccination with the COVID-19 vaccine can effectively prevent such complications."

Since the outbreak of COVID-19, the repeated outbreaks of COVID-19 have made our country familiar with the prevention and control of COVID-19. Successful experiences have also made the people relax their vigilance against COVID-19. However, as the article said, the complications of COVID-19 infection are serious and will affect a person's life. Therefore, for the sake of your own health, you still need to strengthen protective measures against COVID-19 and do not relax your vigilance.