COVID & ED

Endothelial dysfunction, subclinical hypogonadism, psychological distress and impaired pulmonary hemodynamics all contribute to the potential onset of ED. Additionally, COVID-19 might exacerbate cardiovascular conditions; therefore, further increasing the risk of ED. Testicular function in COVID-19 patients requires careful investigation for the unclear association with testosterone deficiency and the possible consequences for reproductive health. Treatment with phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitors might be beneficial for both COVID-19 and ED.

Addressing male sexual and reproductive health in the wake of COVID-19 outbreak.

Sansone A, Mollaioli D, Ciocca G, Limoncin E, Colonnello E, Vena W,JanninEA.EndocrinolIn2021

I had this “hair brained” idea that Covid-19 might have some impact on ED. Toward that end I did a brief literature search. Several reputable sources uphold my thought process and for exactly the same reasons I have been espousing as the major reasons for Erectile Dysfunction. Damage to the arterial endothelium (the lining cells of the arteries) propagate an interruption of the supply of Nitric Oxide (NO) and hence flaccidity of the penis and ED. This is true for all three of the sources of NO production Neurogenic, Endothelial and Inducible.

It is now well accepted that a severe inflammatory response by the body’s immune system is manifested by a spectacular and devastating disseminating intravascular coagulation and other cardiovascular These changes have been documented in microscopic evidence in tissue from penile biopsies and from tissue from penile implant procedures. Covid-19 virus particles have also been seen to persist in penile tissue as well as in lung tissue after infection..

Additionally, the lingering effects of Covid-19 have a direct correlation to depression and other psychological issues that have a direct bearing on ED. It is stilll not clear or fully understood if hypogonadism with low testosterone may also be a contributing factor. The consequences for reproductive health in general is presently under consideration for further study.

As noted in the excerpt from the article PDE5 inhibitors (Viagra) seem to be effective in treating Covid-19 and ED.

Invasion or damage of the male reproductive system is one of the reported outcomes of viral infection. Current studies have documented that SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19, can damage the male reproductive system in large part by inflammatory damage caused by a cytokine storm.

Tian Y, Zhou LQ. Evaluating the impact of COVID-19 on male reproduction. Reproduction. 2021 Feb;161(2):R37-R44. doi: 10.1530/REP-20-0523. PMID: 33434886.

Recent studies have also looked into Covid vaccine and ED. There is no evidence that taking the vaccine causes Erectile Dysfunction.