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Context <p>Widespread concern has emerged regarding the potential impact of COVID-19 vaccines on male fertility, particularly in the context of assisted reproductive technologies (ART).</p> Objective <p>This systematic review aims to evaluate the impact of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination on male sperm quality and its implications for fertility in couples undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intrauterine insemination (IUI).</p> Design <p>Systematic review of original research articles.</p> Data sources <p>For this systematic review, an exploration of relevant original research articles was performed through a literature search in the EMBASE, Cochrane and Medline databases, encompassing publications up to October 10th, 2023.</p> Eligibility criteria <p>Randomized controlled trials and observational studies on men of reproductive age who received a COVID-19 vaccine, with available semen analysis parameters.</p> Data extraction and synthesis <p>Data extraction and quality assessment were performed independently by two authors. Studies were assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale.</p> Main outcome measures <p>Semen volume, pH levels, sperm count/concentration, progressive motility, and morphology.</p> Key results <p>18 original studies were included in our review. Findings showed that 11% of studies reported an increase in semen volume, while none reported a decrease. No studies reported an increase in pH, but 5% noted a decrease. For sperm count or concentration, 11% of studies reported an increase, and 5% reported a decrease, suggesting heterogeneous effects without a clear positive or negative trend. Progressive motility increased in 5% of studies but decreased in 11%. No studies reported improved sperm morphology, while 11% noted impairment. Sperm parameters were assessed at varying intervals post-second COVID-19 vaccination, with an average of 96 days (range: 1–9 months). All studies achieved satisfactory quality.</p> Implications <p>Given the varied research outcomes, there is a critical need for standardized and comprehensive studies to understand the impact of COVID-19 vaccination on male fertility. Further research targeting individuals with oligospermia is essential to comprehensively assess vaccine effects on fertility, while addressing identified study limitations is crucial for interpreting findings accurately and reliably.</p>

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Impact of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination on male sperm quality and fertility in the context of assisted reproductive technologies: a systematic literature review

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

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  • 发表日期：

    2025年7月2日

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  • Maria Poulitsidou,
  • Stefan P. Kuster,
  • Vera Hungerbühler

摘要

Context

Widespread concern has emerged regarding the potential impact of COVID-19 vaccines on male fertility, particularly in the context of assisted reproductive technologies (ART).

Objective

This systematic review aims to evaluate the impact of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination on male sperm quality and its implications for fertility in couples undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intrauterine insemination (IUI).

Design

Systematic review of original research articles.

Data sources

For this systematic review, an exploration of relevant original research articles was performed through a literature search in the EMBASE, Cochrane and Medline databases, encompassing publications up to October 10th, 2023.

Eligibility criteria

Randomized controlled trials and observational studies on men of reproductive age who received a COVID-19 vaccine, with available semen analysis parameters.

Data extraction and synthesis

Data extraction and quality assessment were performed independently by two authors. Studies were assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale.

Main outcome measures

Semen volume, pH levels, sperm count/concentration, progressive motility, and morphology.

Key results

18 original studies were included in our review. Findings showed that 11% of studies reported an increase in semen volume, while none reported a decrease. No studies reported an increase in pH, but 5% noted a decrease. For sperm count or concentration, 11% of studies reported an increase, and 5% reported a decrease, suggesting heterogeneous effects without a clear positive or negative trend. Progressive motility increased in 5% of studies but decreased in 11%. No studies reported improved sperm morphology, while 11% noted impairment. Sperm parameters were assessed at varying intervals post-second COVID-19 vaccination, with an average of 96 days (range: 1–9 months). All studies achieved satisfactory quality.

Implications

Given the varied research outcomes, there is a critical need for standardized and comprehensive studies to understand the impact of COVID-19 vaccination on male fertility. Further research targeting individuals with oligospermia is essential to comprehensively assess vaccine effects on fertility, while addressing identified study limitations is crucial for interpreting findings accurately and reliably.