Chinese researchers who analyzed over 72,000 patient records found that the Wuhan coronavirus has been more fatal in men than women.
Covid-19 primarily targets men, elderly, smokers and those with preexisting respiratory or cardiac conditions.
According to SCMP, doctors in central Wuhan are planning to conduct a study of the effects of Covid-19 on the male reproductive system after a smaller study of 81 men found that Covid-19 patients had roughly half the normal levels of the male sex hormone testosterone.
Researchers analyzed blood samples from 81 men ages 20 to 54 who tested positive for the coronavirus and were hospitalized in January.
Previous studies show that the virus binds to ACE2 receptor cells which are found in the lungs, kidneys and testicles.
Researchers plan a long-term study which may include the collection and analysis of sperm samples as well as interviews with coronavirus patients.
