Can Coronavirus Be Transmitted Sexually?

A critical first step in understanding the potential routes of transmission is knowing which tissues the virus is capable of infecting.

Researchers in Florida are hoping to learn if the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19 can be detected in semen and transmitted sexually.

"We hypothesize that SARS-CoV-2 may be present in the semen and be a source of transmission," said Ranjith Ramasamy, MD, associate professor of urology at the Miller School of Medicine and director of male reproductive medicine and surgery at the University of Miami Health System and the Miller School.

"Understanding the potential for COVID sexual transmission is critical because of the tremendous potential ramifications," he said.

The UM researchers are hoping to find at least 200 men who tested positive for COVID-19 to enroll in a study to determine the interaction of the virus with semen. So far, 30 men are enrolled in the study.

Ramasamy said that a critical first step in understanding the potential routes of transmission — and their ramifications — is knowing which tissues the virus is capable of infecting.

"Previous SARS strains have shown an ability to cross into the male reproductive tract, where it can be sexually transmitted," he said.    

Ramasamy cited studies that estimate that 20% of men with asymptomatic COVID infection may have orchitis, an infection in one or both testes.

"We want to identify how long the presence lasts in semen and investigate whether COVID infection leads to orchitis and male infertility," he said.

The gateway into the body for this virus is the ACE2 receptor, present in the lungs, heart, intestines, kidneys, and testis.

"The COVID receptor is present in a lot of testes. The testis is responsible for sperm and testosterone production," Ramasamy said. "So, we not only want to check testosterone levels, but also research if young men have changes in their sperm counts."