You might feel your life is back to normal, like everything is working the same just like before COVID-19. Children are back to school, offices are open, no masks, travel is back on track, and news cycles have finally moved to something new. But the point of concern is that the impact of COVID-19 is still in headlines as it has not exited fully. With the current wave and changing scenario, the number of people with COVID-19 is increasing in different regions of India. Though there is no urgency in the matter, questions are still unfolding in the minds of people at a rapid pace. The common question that has driven us is the impact on fertility in the case of both men and women. By 2025, growing evidence reveals that COVID-19 can influence fertility in both men and women, though effects vary widely depending on several factors.
In this article, we will delve into an understanding of how Covid 10 affects fertility and what its key aspects we should know in 2025.
As per the research, COVID-19 has disrupted male fertility as it enters the body through ACE2 receptors. These are mainly found in the lungs as well as the testicles, which has given an occurence to an issue that the virus could interfere with the development of sperm. Though we can not have an exact answer to this, as the impact of COVID-19 is moderate to severe, affecting lower sperm count, altered morphology, and reduced motility. The most prominent and consistent finding is the reduction in testosterone levels that follows infection. As per the study, more than half of men who recovered from COVID-19 have shown lower testosterone, which may persist for seven months or longer. Such a vast decline in hormones has an immense effect on mood, libido, and sperm production, which has contributed to fertility challenges. Hormonal changes may not affect the body in lthe ong run, but can affect the rhythm of the body for a while.
Irrespective of changes in hormones, sperm quality also appears to be vulnerable to the virus, and it triggers the inflammatory responses. As per several studies, it is reported that an abnormal shape of sperm and a decrease in its motility will lower its ability to fertilize an egg. Although the presence of the virus in semen is relatively rare, it has been detected in some samples, indicating potential direct effects on the reproductive tract.
Moreover, Erectile dysfunction has been seen in several cases post-infection, which is likely to be caused by a combination of physical vascular effects and psychological stress from illness. The long-term implications for male fertility remain an active area of research, as chronic hormone and sperm abnormalities could persist in some men.
COVID-19 has not spared women in this, as they also experience a range of reproductive health effects that could be endangering for them. The most common and widely spread problem or symptom that is reported is menstrual irregularity. In this period are either delayed, become irregular and longer, or even temporarily absent after infection. This majorly took place due to the impact of the virus on the ovarian function and the broader hormonal axis that regulates reproduction. In some rare but concerning cases, women have manifested premature ovarian failure symptoms months after infection, including diminished egg reserve even in their late twenties or early thirties. It is noted that the virus can also hamper the pre-existing conditions as well, though the rate of impact on pregnant and non-pregnant women is the same.
The inflammatory effects of the virus can even worsen the pre-existing condition for women, such as PCOS, by compounding hormonal imbalances. Pregnant people with severe COVID-19 may also be more likely to develop other health problems as a result of COVID-19. They include heart damage, blood clots, and kidney damage. Moderate to severe symptoms from COVID-19 have also been linked to higher rates of preterm birth, high blood pressure, or preeclampsia. The complications in pregnancy are normal if they are associated with COVID-19 infection. Though the vertical transmission is rare, which is the passing of the virus from mother to features but has been documented in severe cases.
Some studies suggest the pandemic’s significant disruption of fertility treatments and healthcare may also contribute to reduced live births in affected populations, especially among older women for whom fertility delays are critical.
COVID-19 has caused widespread immune activation and systemic inflammation that has led to alterations in hormone levels, which are essential for reproduction. The infection’s inflammatory cytokines can interfere with the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, leading to irregularities in hormone synthesis that regulate the health of eggs and sperm. Moreover, illness and social disruptions are highly related to stress that disrupts and exacerbates hormonal imbalances, which often leads to imbalances in the menstrual cycle and reduced testosterone. Prolonged inflammation can also damage reproductive organs, while its persistence can even blunt fertility recovery. Monitoring hormone levels after a COVID-19 infection is increasingly recommended to detect and manage such disruptions early.
During the early pandemic period, fertility clinics experienced interruptions globally that have delayed treatment cycles. The pause created in this led to disruption in IVF and contributed to fewer births through assisted reproductive technology (ART). However an interesting fact that has been proclaimed is that no significant difference is seen in the success rate of IVF for women undergoing such treatment before and after COVID-19 infection, once treatment is resumed. Moreover, the cancellation for cycles is high during the pandemic due to precautionary measures that are required amid evolving knowledge of the virus, affecting the outcomes of fertility.
Some data have hinted at reduced embryo quality in IVF following infection, which is possibly linked to hormonal changes and inflammation, where the findings remain preliminary. Clinics have emphasized fertility preservation and treatment, which is especially important for patients with advanced maternal age and diminished ovarian reserve, as delays carry a more significant impact. After having a huge discussion and during the vaccine rollout, extensive studies confirm that COVID-19 vaccines do not cause any long-term fertility impairment.
As per the reports, a small subset of vaccinated women has reported that they faced transient menstrual cycle changes, such as shortening of periods and temporary lengthening of periods. However, these alterations typically resolved within one or two cycles as they do not last for a long period of time. It is highly recommended for every individual who is planning for pregnancy or undergoing fertility treatments to opt for vaccination. It helps in keeping you protected against severe COVID-10 and its possible reproductive complications.
Recent data from inactivated vaccine recipients suggest a modest, temporary reduction in clinical pregnancy rates immediately after vaccination, but these effects are short-lived and should not deter vaccination. The benefits of vaccines outweigh these minimal risks, contributing to overall reproductive health in the pandemic context.
A growing number of COVID-19 survivors experience “long COVID,” a condition characterized by symptoms persisting well beyond the acute phase. Long COVID commonly involves hormonal disturbances, immune dysregulation, and chronic inflammation, factors that may compound fertility challenges. Some women report ongoing menstrual irregularities and fertility concerns months after infection. The potential link of long COVID to autoimmune responses could also exacerbate or precipitate reproductive health conditions. Further research is crucial to clarify the long-term reproductive consequences and guide clinical management.
Normal delivery is expected among most individuals after COVID-19 infection, but monitoring still remains imperative for those who have experienced persistent symptoms or underlying conditions. Post-infection, fertility evaluation is necessary as it will help in identifying hormonal imbalances or sperm abnormalities, which can be amenable to treatment and lifestyle modification.
In this healthcare provided, ensure that open discussions are encouraged about reproductive plans and symptoms related to COVID-19 or vaccination. Fertility preservation strategies remain relevant, especially for vulnerable populations. Maintaining general health, managing stress, and early intervention improve outcomes.
By 2025, the scientific community will have established that COVID-19 can affect fertility through a range of biological and psychosocial pathways, impacting hormone levels, gamete quality, menstrual cycles, and pregnancy outcomes. Both men and women may face temporary or, in rare cases, more persistent reproductive health challenges post-infection. The role of inflammation and immune dysregulation is central to these effects.
Crucially, COVID-19 vaccines have been shown not to compromise fertility and represent an essential tool for protecting reproductive health during the ongoing pandemic. Assisted reproduction services have adapted to maintain outcomes despite initial disruptions.
While most recover full reproductive function, ongoing research is vital to map long-term impacts and optimize care for those affected by COVID-19 and long COVID. Individuals contemplating pregnancy or fertility treatments should consult their healthcare providers to tailor management based on their infection history and symptoms.
In sum, COVID-19’s impact on fertility is complex but largely manageable with modern medical support and vigilance, providing hope and guidance as the world adapts to the virus’s legacy. If you are struggling with any of such issues that impact your fertility, Aveya IVF Centre is here to assist you.