Researchers in China analysed semen samples from 38 men who tested positive for COVID-19. Some had recovered while others were infectious.

One in six had traces of the coronavirus in their semen – including those who were no longer sick.

Top infectious disease experts admitted the findings were ‘not surprising’ because viruses such as Zika and Ebola are present in semen samples.

The Chinese study did not prove that the virus could be transmitted through sex – it only suggested it was a possibility.