Abstract Body

Male reproductive health and SARS-COV-2: what General Practitioners should know and do (part of a study)

Background and purpose:

After 1 year of COVID-19 crisis increasing number of scientific publications are reporting warrying facts about the impact of SARS-COV-2 on male reproductive health. Despite the successes in the diagnostics, we still do not have reliable methods for early detection of various organ damages and effective treatment of this disease.

Methods:The authors present part of a PhD study on male reproductive health in General Practice (bibliographic review) during COVID-19 crisis and questionnaires for GPs and patients with some targeted questions.

Results: Scientific publications search and analysis have proven men are more affected by SARS-COV-2 than women because of the role of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 in the testis and male reproductive system. Some very important for the general practice questions are outlined in this PhD study: (1) To what extent GPs are aware of the mechanisms of the impact of SARS-COV-2 on male reproductive system (especially impaired spermatogenesis), different clinical representations, signs and symptoms of COVID-19 and eventual development of orchitis or tumors caused by SARS-CoV-2. (2) To what extent and how patients are informed about possible future reproductive problems related to SARS-COV-2 and COVID-19. (3) Communication difficulties when talking with patients about these sensitive problems. (4) Suggestions about prophylaxis and preservation of male reproductive health in general practice. Authors also propose short educational course for GPs on this important issue.

ConclusionsS

SpecialGeneral Practice targeted measures should be undertaken to prevent, detect and treat male reproductive health problems related to SARS-COV-2 and COVID-19.