Examining the evidence behind claims that Gam-COVID-Vac affects ovarian reserve in reproductive-age women
In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, a silent worry spread among millions of women of reproductive age: could the very vaccines that promised protection against a dangerous virus potentially harm their future fertility? This concern became particularly pronounced in regions where the Sputnik V vaccine (Gam-COVID-Vac) was widely administered.
As menstrual cycle irregularities were reported following vaccination—though often temporary—the question arose: did these changes indicate something more serious about the vaccine's effect on ovarian reserve?
Rigorous scientific research has investigated whether Sputnik V impacts women's ovarian reserve. The findings provide not just clarity but reassurance for women contemplating vaccination around the world.
To appreciate the significance of the research, we must first understand what ovarian reserve represents. Unlike other cells in the human body, women are born with their entire lifetime supply of eggs—approximately 1-2 million at birth. This number declines naturally with age until menopause.
Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) has emerged as a crucial biomarker for assessing ovarian reserve. Produced by small developing follicles in the ovaries, AMH levels in the blood provide clinicians with a reliable indicator of remaining egg supply.
Eggs at birth
AMH remains relatively stable throughout menstrual cycle
As vaccination rates increased worldwide, the scientific community mobilized to systematically investigate potential impacts on fertility. Multiple research groups across different continents conducted studies examining various aspects of reproductive health following COVID-19 vaccination.
A systematic review and meta-analysis published in 2022 compiled and analyzed data from 29 individual studies conducted in Israel, the United States, Russia, China, and several European countries 6 .
This comprehensive analysis specifically looked at fertility parameters in both men and women following COVID-19 vaccination, including the Sputnik V vaccine.
The researchers employed rigorous methodology, searching multiple databases and applying strict inclusion criteria to ensure only high-quality evidence was considered 6 .
The research specifically examined different vaccine platforms, including mRNA vaccines, adenovirus-vector vaccines (like Sputnik V), and inactivated vaccines.
To understand why concerns about fertility emerged—and why they've been largely alleviated—it helps to know how the Sputnik V vaccine works.
Developed by the Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology in Russia, Sputnik V employs a clever two-vector adenovirus platform using two different viruses that cause common colds—adenovirus 26 (Ad26) for the first dose and adenovirus 5 (Ad5) for the second 2 .
Data from real-world effectiveness studies 4
Among the various studies examining COVID-19 vaccines and reproductive health, one comprehensive analysis stands out for its methodological rigor and definitive conclusions.
The research team conducted an extensive literature search across five major scientific databases—PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane, and Embase—applying no language restrictions to ensure global representation 6 .
They specifically looked for studies that examined fertility parameters in men and women of reproductive age following COVID-19 vaccination, with comparison groups of unvaccinated individuals or pre-vaccination measurements 6 .
The inclusion of Sputnik V vaccine data was particularly important, as much of the early fertility research had focused on mRNA platforms.
The analysis revealed several key findings that directly address concerns about Sputnik V and ovarian reserve:
Conclusion: "Based on the studies published so far, there is no scientific proof of any association between COVID-19 vaccines and fertility impairment in men or women" 6 .
| Parameter Measured | Pre-vaccination Levels | Post-vaccination Levels | Statistical Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Testosterone levels | Normal range | No significant change | p > 0.05 |
| FSH levels | Normal range | No significant change | p > 0.05 |
| LH levels | Normal range | No significant change | p > 0.05 |
Data derived from subgroup meta-analyses of the Sputnik V vaccine 6
| Outcome Measure | Vaccinated Group | Unvaccinated Group | Statistical Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biochemical Pregnancy Rate | 0.51 (95% CI 0.40-0.66) | 0.60 (95% CI 0.53-0.68) | p = 0.45 |
| Clinical Pregnancy Rate | 0.45 (95% CI 0.37-0.54) | 0.47 (95% CI 0.40-0.55) | p = 0.31 |
Data from meta-analysis including multiple vaccine platforms 6
Understanding how scientists investigate vaccine impacts on ovarian function demystifies the research process and highlights its reliability.
Measures Anti-Müllerian Hormone levels for quantitative assessment of remaining egg supply.
Tracks FSH, LH, Estradiol levels for functional assessment of ovarian activity.
Counts visible antral follicles for direct visualization of available follicles.
Combines results from multiple studies to increase power and reliability of findings.
Evaluates methodological rigor of studies to ensure only high-quality evidence is included.
Searches across PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane, and Embase for comprehensive coverage.
These tools, when applied systematically across multiple studies and populations, provide a comprehensive picture of vaccine safety that transcends the limitations of any single research project.
The scientific evidence regarding Sputnik V and ovarian reserve offers clear reassurance to women of reproductive age. Multiple studies, including comprehensive systematic reviews examining specific fertility parameters, have found no adverse effects on ovarian reserve following vaccination with Sputnik V.
adverse effects on ovarian reserve
studies analyzed in systematic review
countries confirming findings
For women considering vaccination, the evidence is clear: protection against COVID-19's well-documented risks—including potential reproductive harm from the infection itself—can be embraced without fear for future fertility.