COVID-19: How It Affects Men’s Sexual Health. Fever, shortness of breath, fatigue and loss of smell or taste are familiar with the common symptoms of COVID-19 to us. Emerging research has suggested that COVID-19 might also lead to erectile dysfunction (ED).
It has been found that f COVID-19 survivors might develop sexual and reproductive health issues. The virus has been detected in the testicle, so it could affect how well your testicles can work. This could affect both sperm production and testosterone production.
Researchers are unsure of the link between COVID-19 and ED. But several factors could lead to the potential onset of ED after COVID-19.
One factor is that the virus causes issues in the body’s blood vessels. The virus causes a high level of inflammation in the body as a defense response. The high level of inflammation can cause small blood clots to form, as well as inflammation of the lining of the blood vessels. These two features combined can disrupt blood flow – one of the most important factors in achieving an erection.
Indirectly, COVID-19 can worsen an already existing heart condition such as heart inflammation or an irregular heartbeat. Medicines to treat these conditions, such as beta-blockers, can cause ED as a side effect.
Also Read: COVID-19 and Erectile Dysfunction: What Men Should Know
Possible Effects on the Penis and Testicles
Another hypothesis is that long-term COVID-19 complications may lead to scarring of the erectile tissue.
COVID-19 causes severe physiologic and psychological stress, which leads to lower testosterone levels and increased release of stress hormones. While testosterone levels should return to normal after the illness subsides, loss of testosterone might lead to fibrosis of the penile tissue, which is a more difficult and less reversible condition to treat.
There also is evidence to suggest that the coronavirus has an impact on the testicles. The virus enters cells with the help of a protein that is prevalent in the testicles. The testicles are where the majority of testosterone is made in men, and so COVID-19 may cause decreased testosterone levels in the body.
Lower testosterone levels can contribute to erectile dysfunction, as well as decreased energy, libido and muscle mass. Lower testosterone levels also could exacerbate the body’s inflammatory response, causing heightened damage to the blood vessels.
The Role of Mental Health
Even if you do not have COVID-19, the stress of disrupted routines because of the pandemic can take an unexpected toll on your sexual life.
Being in the right frame of mind is an important part of being able to engage in sexual activity and achieving an erection. Stress, anxiety and depression can be potential causes of erectile dysfunction. As these emotions become heightened during the prolonged pandemic, more men might experience ED as well.
Thank you for reading COVID-19: How It Affects Men’s Sexual Health.
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