MOSCOW , December 7, Vladislav Strekopytov. According to scientists, one of the manifestations of the post-COVID syndrome is a potency disorder. The authors of a recently published review article describe in detail what physiological and psychological factors affect erectile dysfunction. They consider it to be a universal indicator of the health of men who have recovered from COVID-19.
Post-like weakness
Doctors have noticed that some men who have not previously complained of problems with potency develop erectile dysfunction after COVID-19. To find out what is the reason, Italian scientists, together with colleagues from China, Denmark and Vietnam, analyzed articles on this topic published and indexed in the Scopus, PubMed and Google Scholar databases from the beginning of 2020 to July 2021.
The authors concluded that erectile dysfunction in COVID-19 is associated with a whole range of physiological and psychological factors. Experts believe that almost any respiratory, neurological, cardiovascular or endocrine complication caused by coronavirus can negatively affect male sexual health.
For example, it is known that erectile function decreases with a lack of oxygen. And many COVID-19 patients still have lung problems three months after recovery. Oxygen deficiency reduces the production of nitric oxide, which is necessary for penis enlargement and hardening.
In addition, SARS-CoV-2 interacts with the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor and infects cells, in particular, endothelial cells lining the inner surface of blood and lymphatic vessels. Due to damage to the mucous membrane, blood ceases to flow normally to the tissues.
American scientists from the Miller School of Medicine at the University of Miami found that the coronavirus spreads in the endothelial cells of the male penis. This negatively affects the supply of blood to the penis and, accordingly, erectile function — because it directly depends on the integrity of the endothelium.
Long-term endocrine disorders in patients with COVID-19 are less well understood than pulmonary or cardiovascular disorders. However, there is evidence that ACE2 is expressed in pancreatic β-cells and testicular cells. Scientists from the Miller School note: sometimes the coronavirus penetrates the tissue of the testicles, which can affect male fertility in general. And Italian researchers have found that with a long course of covid, the level of testosterone, the hormone responsible for sexual activity in men, drops.
Various factors reinforce each other. Thus, French scientists have shown that patients with more severe forms of vascular disease, including acute thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, often develop serious endothelial dysfunction. A malfunction of the pancreas leads to an exacerbation of diabetes — both the first and second types. Associated endocrine and metabolic changes may lead to long-term erection problems, the review authors believe.
Not only physiology
In addition to purely physiological, scientists identify several indirect causes. First of all, these are the side effects of drugs. As well as stress due to hospitalization and socioeconomic factors such as forced isolation, fear of being fired, and financial hardship.
Some long-term covid medications, such as beta-blockers and diuretics, impair erectile function. And restrictive measures lead to a depressed state of mind and anxiety. Many have lost their jobs during the pandemic. Those who switched to remote work faced a sedentary lifestyle, disruption of their usual way of life, a sharp reduction in communication and depression. According to scientists, this inevitably affects men's sexual health.