Myth busted: Covid vaccine won’t affect men’s fertility

  • Date: 23-Jan-2021
  • Source: Khaleej Times
  • Sector:Healthcare
  • Country:UAE
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Myth busted: Covid vaccine won’t affect men’s fertility

Looking to start a family by February, Fujairah resident NV was sceptical about taking the Covid-19 vaccine after his wife had been advised against receiving it. He was worried it might affect his fertility.

UAE doctors have put his fears to rest, saying: Men looking to have children in the next few months can safely take the vaccine. In fact, it is the Covid-19 virus that could “adversely affect sperm quality and not the vaccine”, they said.

Dr Amala Nazareth, a specialist in obstetrics and gynaecology at Prime Medical Center Jumeirah branch, explained: “Researchers have found that the virus itself, and not the vaccine, can affect the sperm quality which could contribute to infertility issues. So, it is all the more reason for men to get vaccinated and protected. For males, there are no contraindications. At the moment, it is completely safe for men to take the vaccine.

“Antibodies detected in the semen will not hamper fertility procedures. They can take it even if their wives are planning to get pregnant.”

Dr Anselma Shantha Elizabeth Ferrao, consultant for obstetrics and medical director at NMC Royal Women's Hospital, Abu Dhabi, added that by