Long-term effects of Long COVID on the female reproductive system: A literature review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.37800/RM.3.2023.35-39Keywords:
COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, Long COVID, female reproductive system, postcovid syndrome, neoplasms, myoma, fibrosisAbstract
Relevance: The COVID-19 pandemic has posed significant challenges to global healthcare since its emergence in late 2019. While primarily known for its respiratory effects, emerging data suggests that the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) can impact various other organ systems, including the female reproductive system.
The study aimed to analyze existing literature on the long-term effects of COVID-19 on the female reproductive system and investigate post-COVID conditions in women through ultrasonographic analysis of pelvic organs and mammary glands.
Materials and Methods: An analysis of articles published from 2020 to July 2023 was conducted using the PubMed database, using keywords such as «COVID-19», «Female reproductive system,» «Long-term impact of COVID-19», «Long COVID,» «fibroids,» and «endometriosis.» The study of structural changes in women's mammary glands and pelvic organs was performed using ultrasonographic imaging (USG).
Results: Analysis of contemporary literature revealed a limited number of studies investigating the long-term impact of COVID-19 on the female reproductive system, in contrast to numerous works exploring how SARS-CoV-2 has affected various aspects of the female reproductive system. These encompass disruptions in the menstrual cycle, follicular developmental delays, ovarian function alterations, pregnancy complications, and psychosomatic disorders in women. Findings from examining 150 women who had recovered from COVID-19 indicated significant alterations in pelvic organs. Notably, ovarian cysts were observed in 10.8% of women, uterine fibroids in 12%, oophoritis in 12.8%, pelvic venous varicosities in 8.7%, chronic endometriosis signs in 6%, and endometrial hyperplasia in 2.7%. The structural integrity of pelvic organs was retained in only 46.5% of cases. Results from mammary gland examinations revealed cysts in 10.7% and fibrocystic changes in 6.7%, while 82.5% exhibited no structural anomalies.
Conclusion: Existing literature and findings on structural changes in pelvic organs and mammary glands suggest a potential role of COVID-19 in affecting the female reproductive system. However, knowledge regarding mechanisms of impact and long- term consequences of infection remains limited. Thus, further comprehensive research on the enduring effects of infection on women's reproductive organs is imperative.
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