The objectives of the study, are to describe detection of SARS-CoV-2 in the semen of COVID-19 positive patients, the duration of positive semen and to investigate the impact on semen quality, thereby providing insights into the early impact on male reproductive function.

SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2), a novel coronavirus reported in late December 2019 in Wuhan, China, has spread world-wide with over 1,000,000 coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases reported. New developments in molecular virology and immunobiology of SARS-CoV-2, improve our understanding about COVID-19 prevention, management, and possible long-term effects. Although viral transmission occurs predominantly through respiratory droplets, SARS-CoV-2 has been isolated in blood samples and feces from COVID-19 patients, raising questions about viral shedding in other bodily fluids, including semen, as well as alternative modes of transmission.

The objectives are to describe detection of SARS-CoV-2 in the semen of COVID-19 positive patients, the duration of positive semen and to investigate the impact on semen quality, thereby providing insights into the early impact on male reproductive function.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Male
• PCR on nasopharyngeal swab positive for SARS-CoV-2
• Age: ≥ 18y - ≤ 50y
• Signed informed consent
• When undergoing ART treatment: ICSI treatment

Exclusion Criteria:

• Negative test of SARS-CoV-2 on nasopharyngeal swab sample
• History of immunosuppression
• Impossibility to deliver a semen sample at UZ Brussel on a weekly base
• When undergoing ART treatment: IVF treatment