Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-COV-2), a single-stranded RNA virus, was found to be the causal agent of the disease called coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Due to alarming levels of spread and severity of this disease, the WHO declared the outbreak as a global pandemic on the 11th of March 2020.

As of late, the impact of SARS-CoV-2 on male infertility has received significant attention. The virus has been shown to impose adverse effects on both the structural components and function of the testis, which potentially impact male fertility.

Therefore, this Frontiers Research Topic will not only focus on its broader impact on fertility, but also delve into the multivariate pathophysiological and sub-cellular mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2’s involvement on male reproduction. Further to this, the plausible changes to male fertility potential due to epigenetic changes will also be explored.

As of yet there is still no consensus on the viral shedding of SARS-CoV-2 in the semen and if the virus is present in the testes. Furthermore, very little information is available on the pathways through which this virus impacts male fertility.

Through this collection of manuscripts, the goal is to provide an update on the current status of SARS-CoV-2 on male fertility, by exploring the multivariate pathophysiological and sub-cellular mechanisms, as well as the potential epigenetic changes that can impact reproductive potential. It aims to provide clinicians, reproductive medicine experts and researchers with new insights, knowledge and recent advances on this subject.

The scope of this collection is not limited to, but will include the following themes:

a) The Short-term effects of SARS-CoV-2 on male fertility

b) The Long-term effects of SARS-CoV-2 on male fertility

c) Covid-19’s effects on the sub-cellular processes of male reproduction

d) Epigenetic changes in male fertility due to SARS-CoV-2 infection

e) SARS-CoV-2 vaccine and male fertility

f) SARS-CoV-2 and IVF outcomes

g) Approaches to Fertility planning and Treatments

h) Relationship between male sexual and reproductive health and COVID infection

Manuscripts solicited for this edition can be in any of the following formats: original research, review (systematic or meta-analysis), mini-reviews, policy and practice reviews, perspective and clinical trial.

Submit your idea

Impact

Frontiers in Physiology

Participating Journals

Impact