IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON THE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM. DATA META-ANALYSIS FOR RUSSIA

COVID-19 damages many organ systems, including the reproductive one. However, research to determine its specific impact on the reproductive system is still insufficient. Correlation between COVID-19 and reproductive system disorders can be analyzed and established using statistical data and methods. The objective of the paper is to study the impact of COVID-19 on male and female reproductive systems. Materials and Methods. The authors conducted a meta-analysis of available statistical data for Russian regions. Three periods were analyzed: before, during, and after the pandemic. Results. Research data demonstrate that reproductive organs have receptors, which SARS-CoV-2 uses to infect cells. Thus, pathological changes are detected in both the male and female reproductive systems after COVID-19. During the pandemic, the most frequently diagnosed cancers in women were cervical cancer (43.7 %) and irregular periods (65 %). Researchers noticed a decrease in heavy menstrual bleeding (10 %), and menstrual cycle shortening (20 %). However, menstrual cycle lengthening (19 %) was also observed after the pandemic. During the pandemic, the most frequently diagnosed disorders in men were viral orchitis (19 %) and azoospermia (28 %). Later, the incidence of azoospermia decreased (25.5 %), while the prevalence of viral orchitis remained unchanged. Testicular cancer was diagnosed more frequently during the pandemic (5.5 %) than after it (2 %).