A new study has confirmed the suspicions that there is a link between erectile dysfunction (ED) and COVID-19.
The study found that ED was five times more likely to occur in men who had tested positive for COVID-19, according to Verywell Health.
The researchers at the University of Rome Tor Vergata studied the sexual health of men in Italy and examined whether men who tested positive for COVID-19 had experienced erectile difficulties. Eventually, they found that COVID-19 was more strongly associated with ED than other issues.
Dr. Emmanuele Jannini of the University of Rome told Verywell said, “Survivors of COVID-19 are currently followed with lots of examinations, MRI, and tests attempting to evaluate possible sequelae [after effects] of the pneumonia associated with COVID-19. All are more or less related to endothelial damage.”
The endothelium is one of the innermost linings of the blood vessels, which controls blood flow by releasing compounds that constrict or dilate the blood vessels. And nitric oxide is one of those compounds, which helps dilate blood vessels and boost blood flow.
In men, the endothelium inside the penile arteries must secrete enough nitric oxide to boost blood supply and eventually cause an erection. If the endothelium in penile blood vessels gets damaged, it fails to produce nitric oxide, affecting the process of an erection.
Dr. Jannini explained, “Endothelial cells express many of the cofactors used by the SARS-CoV-2 virus to invade host cells. The virus may cause damage.”
“The penis is the first organ clinically affected by endothelial damage because of the size of the blood vessels carrying blood to it,” he added. “In contrast, heart vessels are much bigger. The penis is affected by endothelial damage leading to erectile dysfunction 10 years before heart disease is detected.”
Interestingly, both ED and COVID-19 share similar risk factors – such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease.
“Unfortunately COVID is teaching us a lot. We prefer not to have this lesson, but the lesson is coming,” Dr. Jannini told Verywell. “It’s a very good idea to think of this pandemic as the time to revise your lifestyle, which is clearly so critical. Some endothelial problems that could be fixed sooner rather than later could reduce the risk of severe COVID as well as future cardiovascular disease.”
Therefore, it is imperative to reduce the risk of catching COVID-19 by getting vaccinates, wearing a facemask, maintaining social distance, and washing hands often.
Also, it is important to make lifestyle changes to improve your cardiovascular health in order to prevent ED. However, ED has several other causes. Dr. Jannini advised, “If you currently have erectile trouble, go to the doctor to get checked.” The article was published Thursday on Verywell Health
