Researchers: Coronavirus May Attack Testicular Tissue & Leave Men Infertile After Infection

For those of you who are reading this and still haven’t gotten around to making sure you practice healthy hygiene habits, listen up! In new research that was recently reported by Thailand Medical News, it appears that alongside the usual slew of health problems associated with a coronavirus infection, Covid-19 can do even more damage than what we had initially thought.

Source: New York Times

Through data obtained by a team of medical scientists from Nanjing Medical University led by Dr Jianqing Wang, Head of the Department of Urology at Suzhou Hospital, it has been found that the Covid-19 coronavirus which has taken over the world could have long-term effects on male patients who have been infected with it.

Source: News Medical

Namely, male patients who suffer from Covid-19 could likely become infertile, as it is discovered that the Covid-19 coronavirus typically attacks ACE2 (Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2) in human tissue.

Source: The Guardian

ACE2 (Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2) is most typically found on renal and testicular tissues, especially the renal tubular cells, Leydig cells and cells in seminiferous ducts in the testicles. The damage done to these tissues can leave lesions, and as a result, lead to infertility in men.

The research, which was conducted based on data obtained from 146 male patients, is still yet to be peer-reviewed and can be accessed online at medRxiv. Members of the team have also advised physicians and doctors to closely monitor the renal function of their male patients to ensure that they can detect any abnormalities during treatment.

Regardless of which, this is just more reason for us to really take care of our health during these troubling times! 

Also read: Five People Infected With Coronavirus, Source Traced Back To A Gym They All Visited