COVID-19 Virus Found in Semen
Chinese researchers have discovered SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) in semen samples. Researchers collected the samples from 38 men who were treated for COVID-19 earlier this year. They found that 16% of the samples contained the virus.
The virus that causes COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2), has been discovered in men’s semen, according to a new report in JAMA Network Open.
Chinese researchers analyzed semen samples of 38 men who were treated for COVID-19 in January and February of this year.
The semen of 6 patients (16%) tested positive for the virus. Of these, 4 men were in the acute (quickly developing) phase of the illness, and 2 were recovering.
“Abstinence or condom use might be considered as preventive means for these patients,” the authors wrote.
They acknowledged that the study included a small number of participants and covered a short time frame. They recommended additional research.
“If it could be proved that SARS-CoV-2 can be transmitted sexually in future studies, sexual transmission might be a critical part of the prevention of transmission, especially considering the fact that SARS-CoV-2 was detected in the semen of recovering payments,” the authors added.
The coronavirus has been found in stool, saliva, urine, and the gastrointestinal tract, they noted.
COVID-19 – Another good reason to practice safe sex.
The fact that Coronavirus can exist in semen – and spread through semen – might come as a surprise to a lot of men. This should be yet another reason to practice safe sex if you’re not in a committed relationship.
While COVID-19 research is ongoing, there is still a lot that officials don’t know yet. Experts advise that people continue to wash their hands, wear face masks as recommended, and practice social distancing measures.
People should also be careful with sex. The virus can be spread through kissing and by touching infected surfaces, such as skin, bedding, and sex toys. Limiting your number of sex partners and using condoms and dental dams during every sex act might reduce your risk.
Learn more about sex and COVID-19 here.
Resources
CNN.com
Fox, Maggie
“Coronavirus found in men’s semen”
(Updated: May 11, 2020)
https://www.cnn.com/2020/05/07/health/coronavirus-semen-china-health/index.html
JAMA Network Open
Li, Diangeng, PhD, et al.
“Clinical Characteristics and Results of Semen Tests Among Men With Coronavirus Disease 2019”
(Research Letter. May 7, 2020)
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2765654
Medscape Medical News
McCall, Becky
“SARS-CoV-2 in Semen of COVID-19 Patients?”
(May 7, 2020)