Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Feb 16, 2026 1 hour, 51 minutes ago
Medical News:
COVID Infection Linked to Sudden Male Sterility Shock
A disturbing new medical case has revealed how a COVID-19 infection may trigger sudden and irreversible testicular failure in men, potentially causing complete infertility. Researchers warn that the virus may activate the immune system in ways that attack the body’s own reproductive organs, especially in individuals who already have hidden genetic vulnerabilities. This
Medical News report highlights a rare but alarming example that sheds light on how COVID-19 could silently disrupt male fertility.
COVID-19 infection may trigger immune attack causing sudden and permanent male infertility
Researchers Investigate Rare Infertility Case Linked to COVID
The case involved a 40-year-old man who experienced a rapid and unexplained decline in fertility over just a few months. He was treated and evaluated by specialists from the General Hospital of Chalkidiki in Polygyros, the School of Medicine at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, St. Luke’s Hospital in Thessaloniki, Istoiatriki Pathology Laboratory, and the Zeginiadou Fertility and Andrology Laboratory, all located in Greece.
At the beginning of 2025, the man’s sperm levels were slightly below normal but still present. However, within months, his sperm count dropped dramatically. Laboratory tests showed severe damage to sperm quality, including poor movement, abnormal structure, and fragmentation of sperm DNA. Eventually, doctors found almost no sperm remaining in his semen, indicating near total reproductive failure.
Immune System Turned Against the Testes
Further investigations revealed that the man’s immune system had begun attacking his own testicular tissue. This condition, known as autoimmune orchitis, is extremely rare and occurs when immune cells mistakenly destroy sperm-producing cells.
Microscopic examination of testicular tissue revealed large numbers of immune cells, including CD3+, CD4+, and CD8+ T-cells. These immune cells are normally used by the body to fight infections. However, in this case, they had invaded the testes and triggered inflammation that damaged the delicate structures responsible for producing sperm.
The damage was extensive. The sperm-producing tubules were severely impaired, and only immature sperm cells remained. Fully developed sperm were essentially absent, confirming that the testicles had lost their ability to function properly.
Evidence Points to COVID-19 Infection as The Trigger
One of the most striking findings was the presence of extremely high levels of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19. These antibody levels were thousands of times above the normal threshold, indicating recent exposure to the virus.
Importantly, the patient had not received a recent COVID vaccination and did not recall having any symptoms. This suggests the infection may have been silent or
mild but still triggered a powerful immune response.
Researchers believe the virus may have acted as an immunological trigger, activating immune cells that then attacked the testes. The testes are particularly vulnerable because they contain receptors such as ACE2 and TMPRSS2, which allow the virus to interact with reproductive cells. This interaction may spark inflammation and immune-mediated damage.
Hidden Genetic Vulnerability Made Situation Worse
Genetic testing revealed the man carried a rare chromosomal abnormality known as a balanced translocation between chromosomes 2 and 8. This condition can weaken sperm production and make the reproductive system more vulnerable.
Scientists believe COVID-19 acted as a “second hit.” The genetic abnormality had already made the testes fragile. When the immune system was activated by the viral infection, it accelerated the damage dramatically.
This explains why the man’s fertility declined so rapidly. His sperm count went from low to almost zero within months, a progression that is rarely seen in normal infertility cases.
Hormonal Changes Confirm Complete Testicular Failure
Hormone tests showed rising levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). These hormones increase when the testes stop functioning properly, as the body attempts to stimulate sperm production.
Despite these signals, the testes were unable to recover. Follow-up testing revealed only a single sperm cell present in a semen sample. This confirmed complete testicular failure, meaning natural fertility was no longer possible.
Doctors were able to preserve a small amount of sperm through cryopreservation before total failure occurred. This offers the patient a possible chance of fatherhood through assisted reproductive technologies such as IVF.
Scientists Warn of Broader Fertility Implications
Researchers emphasize that this is a rare case, but it raises serious concerns. It shows that COVID-19 can potentially trigger immune-mediated damage to reproductive organs, especially in men with underlying genetic vulnerabilities.
The study also highlights the importance of early fertility testing in men who notice sudden reproductive changes after viral infections. Early sperm preservation may be the only way to protect future fertility.
Scientists are calling for more research to understand how COVID-19 affects male reproductive health. They stress that while most men recover fully, a small subset may experience severe and permanent consequences.
Conclusion
This case provides compelling evidence that COVID-19 infection can trigger immune-mediated destruction of sperm-producing cells, especially in genetically vulnerable individuals. The findings show how a silent infection may activate immune responses that permanently damage the testes and cause infertility.
Although rare, this case highlights the urgent need for fertility monitoring and early intervention in affected men. Understanding these mechanisms is essential to prevent irreversible reproductive damage and to protect male fertility in the future.
The study findings were published in the peer reviewed journal: Cureus.
https://www.cureus.com/articles/463614-immune-mediated-sars-cov-2-induced-orchitis-leading-to-complete-testicular-failure-a-report-of-a-rare-case#!/
For the latest COVID-19 News, keep on logging to Thailand
Medical News.
Read Also:
https://www.thailandmedical.news/articles/coronavirus
https://www.thailandmedical.news/articles/long-covid
Share
Tweet
Share
