High male mortality from Covid-19 may be linked to their gonads

Scientists have been investigating the cause of a higher infection and death rate in men more than women from Covid-19. In England and Wales, 76 males compared to 50 females died from the age of 15 to 44. The figure below gives an overall picture as of April 21st 2020.

Apparently, the Corona-virus lingers longer in the men's testicles, where it attaches itself to a protein named angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), that is present in higher quantities than in other parts of the body. This theory, however, has not been proven. Tests done on semen from recovered men do not show signs of the virus.

It the virus is also given an extra life-line by the fact that the organs are isolated from the body's immune system. Other sources claim that this could also affect men's fertility, as the virus has been shown to damage and alter the function of other internal organs like the kidneys, for instance.