COVID side effect: Coronavirus can cause sperm damage, study. Here are 5 ways to boost your fertility

With 7 per cent men suffering from infertility, male infertility accounts for 40-50 per cent of total infertility cases. For the unversed, male infertility refers to a male's inability to cause pregnancy in a fertile woman.

Though there are various factors that can affect the smooth functioning of the reproductive system causing infertility, the COVID infection just added to the list.

In males, some of the common factors affecting fertility include erectile dysfunction, testosterone levels, sperm motility, sperm count and libido. But a new study has found that COVID 19 too can affect the sperm count and lead to infertility in men.

According to research published in the journal Reproduction, it was found that novel coronavirus can cause increased sperm cell death, inflammation and oxidative stress.

As per experts, these effects tend to improve with time but they remain abnormally higher in the COVID-19 patients. It is also said that the severity of the disease is a significant contributing factor in altering sperm health. The severe the disease, the severe the effect.

For the study, data from 84 men with COVID 19 in the interval of 10 days for 60 days was compared to the data of 105 healthy men.

The sperm cells of men with COVID 19 showed a significant increase in markers of inflammation and oxidative stress, a chemical imbalance that can damage the DNA and proteins in the body.

Some older studies have shown that COVID 19 infection can infect male reproductive organs, impairing sperm cell development and disrupting reproductive hormones. It was found that the same receptors the virus uses to access lung tissues were also found in the testicles.

The researchers said more research is needed to draw some hard and fast conclusions. Experts say the male reproductive system should be considered a vulnerable route of COVID 19 infection and thus should be declared as a high-risk organ by the World Health Organisation. There is yet no evidence that COVID-19 can cause long-lasting damage to the male reproductive potential.

Exercise

As per studies, physically active men show better semen parameters and hormone values than sedentary men. Physical inactivity can have a negative effect on the fertility of men with respect to their sperm quality. Regular exercise can help increase the testosterone level in men.

De-stress yourself

Poor mental health can affect the sexual health of men. Too much stress for an extended period of time can harm the testosterone levels, harming the fertility of men. Do things that help you de-stress and make you feel happy and relaxed.

Eat a balanced diet

A healthy diet can help maintain a healthy sperm count. Have foods rich in vitamin C, D and zinc to increase the sperm count

significantly.

Ashwagandha

Studies have found that ashwagandha can help increase the sperm count and testosterone levels in men, thereby boosting fertility.

Improve your lifestyle

Poor sleep, consumption of alcohol and smoking can damage the testosterone levels. Get adequate sleep and say no to smoking and alcohol to boost your fertility.