mRNA and Viral Vector COVID-19 Vaccines Do Not Affect Male Fertility: A Prospective Study

Massarotti, Claudia; Stigliani, Sara; Maccarini, Elena; Bovis, Francesca; Ferraro, Mattia Francesco; Gazzo, Irene; Anserini, Paola; Scaruffi, Paola

doi:10.5534/wjmh.220055

Cited by 9 publications

(7 citation statements)

References 40 publications

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“…Another assessment on ovarian follicle function reported no measurable difference between vaccinated and unvaccinated women ( 51 ). Similarly, recent studies showed the SARS-CoV-2 vaccination had no detrimental effect on sperm numbers and motility among men ( 14 , 52 - 54 ), whose results are consistent with our outcome.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 93%

SARS-CoV-2 vaccination and semen quality: a study based on sperm donor candidate data in southwest China

Yang,

Tang,

Zhan

et al. 2024

Transl Androl Urol

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Background The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has been a global health crisis and continues to pose risk to population health at the present. Vaccination against this disease caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus has become a public health priority worldwide. Yet, limited information is available on the potential impact of such vaccines on human fertility. Methods To examine the relationship between COVID-19 vaccination and male fertility, we conducted an observational study on sperm donor candidates in China who received Chinese COVID-19 vaccines between January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2021. Results A total of 2,955 semen samples from 564 individuals were assessed along with vaccination information. Statistical analyses were conducted on both the entire study population and the subgroup of individuals who provided repeated semen samples before and after vaccination. While motility related parameters [progressive rate, curvilinear velocity (VCL), average path velocity (VAP), straight-line velocity (VSL), wobble (WOB), straightness (STR), linearity (LIN), amplitude of lateral head displacement (ALH), beat-cross frequency (BCF)] exhibited statistically significant difference before and after vaccination based on Welch two-sample test, mixed effects regression results based on repeated measures from the same individuals indicated that vaccination was not statistically associated with sperm quality parameters except for VCL, VAP, and VSL. Individual variability was the key determinant of sperm quality variance, with contribution ranging from 19% to 82%. Conclusions Findings from our study could help to enhance current understanding of male reproductive health in the context of the global pandemic.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 93%

SARS-CoV-2 vaccination and semen quality: a study based on sperm donor candidate data in southwest China

Yang,

Tang,

Zhan

et al. 2024

Transl Androl Urol

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

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“…Similarly, the BNT162b2 and mRNA-1273 vaccines significantly increased semen volume, sperm concentration, total sperm motility, and total motile sperm count in 45 healthy males [25]. In 101 men, where 76% received mRNA vaccines, 20% viral vector vaccines, and 2% a mixed formulation, sperm concentration, total sperm count, and progressive motility increased postvaccination, although semen volume decreased [26]. Furthermore, we found the increase in sperm concentration was significant only for postvaccination semen analysis more than 3 months following vaccination.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 93%

“…Several fertility societies have stated that the current vaccines are unlikely to affect human fertility, however, there remains limited evidence for this conclusion, particularly in different geographical regions, including South Africa. Although some studies have found an increase in sperm parameters following COVID-19 vaccination [25,26], other studies have found no effect on semen parameters [27][28][29][30][31]. However, some studies have reported a temporary decline in semen parameters postvaccination [32,33].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Impact of COVID-19 Vaccines on Male Semen Parameters: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Leisegang

Finelli

Moungala³

et al. 2023

Andrologia

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The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 and the subsequent COVID-19 pandemic necessitated the development of adequate vaccines. Despite vaccines being demonstrated to be safe and effective for preventing severe disease and death, vaccine hesitancy remains. Reasons include concerns over adverse effects on male fertility, which have not been widely investigated. Therefore, this study is aimed at determining the impact of COVID-19 vaccination on semen parameters in a retrospective cohort study of South African males undergoing fertility assessment. The patients for this study were adult men who have previously undergone routine semen analysis for fertility assessment at Androcryos Andrology Laboratory (Johannesburg, South Africa) between March 2021 and March 2022. They also received vaccination within 3 months following a semen analysis and underwent a second semen analysis any time post-COVID-19 vaccination. From 277 records analysed, 46 patients met the inclusion criteria, receiving the Pfizer-BioNTech (BNT162b1) (63%), Johnson and Johnson (JNJ-78436735/Ad26.COV2S) (34.8%), and the AstraZeneca (AZD1222) (2.2%) vaccines. Sperm concentration significantly increased postvaccination ( P = 0.0001 ), with no significant changes in semen pH, volume, total sperm count, progressive motility, normal sperm morphology, or chromatin condensation. Results were not influenced by age, type of vaccine received, and the number of days following vaccination, as depicted by multiple regression analysis. In conclusion, there is no evidence of a negative impact of COVID-19 vaccination on male semen parameters, which is consistent with the emerging literature on COVID-19 vaccination and male fertility. COVID-19 vaccinations should not be dismissed based on fear of adverse effects on male fertility parameters.

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“…post-vaccination semen samples were found to have a significantly decreased volume and increased sperm concentration, progressive motility, and total motile sperm count. Seventeen patients diagnosed with oligozoospermia according to the World Health Organization reference ranges had their sperm concentration increased to the normal range after receiving the vaccine [ 11 , 56 ]. A similar phenomenon was observed by Alenzi et al.…”

Section: Effects Of Covid-19 Vaccination On Male Fertilitymentioning

confidence: 99%

Effects of COVID-19 vaccination on human fertility: a post-pandemic literature review

Wang,

et al. 2023

Annals of Medicine

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Although vaccination with the Coronavirus disease 2019 vaccine is important and effective in the prevention of SARS-CoV-2 infection, the public expressed concerns regarding the adverse effects of vaccine on fertility. Some reviews have focused on it, they have been unable to collect sufficient research data because of the earlier publication period. As relevant evidence has gradually increased, we reviewed these studies from the perspectives of males, females with or without pregnancy, and different vaccine types. The results suggest that although males may experience fluctuations in semen parameters within their physiological ranges after receiving the vaccine, it has not yet reached a level of influence on the partner’s pregnancy probability. As to female without pregnancy, it is believed that vaccination will not affect fertility; however, more research is needed to explore the short-term impact. Vaccination during any trimester is considered safe in pregnant women.

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mRNA and Viral Vector COVID-19 Vaccines Do Not Affect Male Fertility: A Prospective Study

Cited by 9 publications

References 40 publications

SARS-CoV-2 vaccination and semen quality: a study based on sperm donor candidate data in southwest China

SARS-CoV-2 vaccination and semen quality: a study based on sperm donor candidate data in southwest China

The Impact of COVID-19 Vaccines on Male Semen Parameters: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Effects of COVID-19 vaccination on human fertility: a post-pandemic literature review

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