Persistent Oligonecrozoospermia After Asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 Infection: A Case Report and Literature Review

COVID-19 exerts deleterious effects on the respiratory, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and central nervous systems; however, there are still controversial data regarding putative consequences on the male reproductive tract and fertility. Furthermore, the long-term effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection are still uncertain. Herein, we report a case of a 42-year-old man with no known co-morbidities and normal baseline semen quality, who subsequently suffered an asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection. Shortly after, the patient developed sudden oligoasthenozoospermia, even reaching azoospermia, which gradually evolved into persistent severe oligonecrozoospermia, accompanied with semen inflammation and oxidative stress. Remarkably, the latter occurred in the absence of urogenital infections, hormonal imbalances, tissue/organ obstruction/damage, medication or drug treatment, smoking, or exposure to toxins/pollutants. This case constitutes valuable clinical evidence that adds to the current knowledge in the field and highlights the need for further and longer follow-up studies to better understand the putative long-term consequences of SARS-CoV-2 infection on male fertility.