EC Gynaecology

The potential effects of COVID-19 on female fertility have become a subject of growing concern, with emerging evidence suggesting disruptions in ovarian reserve and hormonal balance. This paper explores the relationship between female infertility and the etiology of SARS-CoV-2, with a focus on a controversial hypothesis that the virus may have originated from an influenza virus mutated by environmental exposure to cadmium and lead. We analyze current literature linking COVID-19 to decreased Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) levels, reduced antral follicle count (AFC), and increased levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH)-all markers of impaired fertility. Additionally, we examine the independent toxic effects of cadmium and lead on female reproductive health, emphasizing their roles in disrupting folliculogenesis and hormone regulation. By integrating virological, toxicological, and reproductive health perspectives, this paper highlights the potential dual threat of viral infection and heavy metal exposure to female fertility and calls for further interdisciplinary research into environmental factors contributing to pandemic emergence and reproductive dysfunction.

Keywords: COVID-19; Female Infertility; Heavy Metals Toxicity; Viral Mutation; Oxidative Stress

1. Hamad MN. “COVID. 19: Man-made pandemic: Lead and cadmium mutate influenza virus and produce: SARS COV-2”. Lambert Academic Publishing, ISBN: 978-620-3-86941-5 (2021).
2. Ding T., et al. “Analysis of ovarian reserve markers in COVID-19 women of reproductive age”. Frontiers in Endocrinology 12 (2021): 625899.
3. Li Y., et al. “The impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on female fertility: a systematic review and meta-analysis”. Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology 19 (2021): 119.
4. Pollack AZ., et al. “Cadmium, reproductive hormones, and ovarian reserve in premenopausal women”. Environmental Health Perspectives9 (2014): 948-953.
5. Thompson J and Bannigan J. “Cadmium: toxic effects on the reproductive system and the embryo”. Reproductive Toxicology3 (2008): 304-315.
6. Iavicoli I., et al. “The effects of metals as endocrine disruptors”. Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health Part B3 (2009): 206-223.
7. Bloom MS., et al. “Lead exposure and ovarian reserve in premenopausal women”. Environmental Research8 (2010): 883-889.
8. Jurasovic J., et al. “Seminal plasma lead concentration and male reproductive function”. Reproductive Toxicology4 (2004): 501-506.
9. Gollenberg AL., et al. “Association between lead and FSH, LH, and estrogen in premenopausal women”. Environmental Health Perspectives1 (2010): 103-107.