COVID-19 can impact sperm quality, reduce fertility in men, claims study The same receptors the virus uses to access lung tissue are also found in the testicles. But the effects of the virus on the ability of men to reproduce remained unclear BusinessToday.In | January 29, 2021 | Updated 12:28 IST Representational Image (Photo-Reuters) A new study has found that COVID-19 can affect sperm quality and reduce fertility in men. Researchers claimed that the virus can cause increased sperm cell death, inflammation and so-called oxidative stress, in journal Reproduction on Friday. "These findings provide the first direct experimental evidence that the male reproductive system could be targeted and damaged by COVID-19," said the authors.