The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that some people who recover from COVID-19 infection may experience new or returning health issues after a certain period, such as headaches, anosmia (loss of smell), ageusia (loss of taste), and fatigue.
Now, a team of researchers from the University of Miami has found that some men who recovered from COVID-19 infection are also experiencing erectile dysfunction (ED) – a sexual health characterized by the inability to attain or sustain an erection.
Study author Dr. Ranjith Ramasamy said, “We’ve started seeing men complain of erectile dysfunction after being infected with COVID-19. A couple of the men had to undergo penile prostheses.”
The researchers, who published their findings in the World Journal of Men’s Health, explained that during surgery, which was performed seven to nine months after the initial COVID infection, they obtained tissue for testing. Upon examination, the team found that the coronavirus is still present in penile tissue after all that time, according to Miami New Times.
Dr. Ramasamy explained, “The COVID virus is present in the endothelial cells, which supply blood to the penis. We think the virus is affecting blood flow to the penis, causing erectile dysfunction.”
The authors also found that men with no previous history of comorbidities associated with ED and with no history of ED developed the condition after COVID-19 infection. “We’re seeing some pretty severe cases,” Dr. Ramasamy said.
“Vascular integrity is necessary for erectile function, and endothelial damage associated with COVID-19 is likely to affect the penile vascular flow, resulting in impaired erectile function,” the researchers said.
Dr. Ramasamy said, “This is all the more reason for men to take care of themselves and take the necessary precautions to avoid getting sick with COVID-19,” especially because he believes that ED due to COVID could be permanent. He advised men to get vaccinated. He also said that men should not hide any signs of ED after getting infected by COVID. Instead, they should seek help if they experience any issues with an erection.
