Some men had erectile dysfunction during the health crisis. The causes would be multiple: cessation of care, psychological effects and impact of the virus.
- The psychological consequences of Covid-19 have had repercussions on the sexual health of men, such as erectile dysfunction.
- The tissues and blood vessels of the penis have also been damaged by the virus in some men with Covid-19.
Covid-19 could have an impact on men’s sexual activity. This is the conclusion of an American study recently published in Sexual Medicine Reviews. According to the researchers, the virus has had a particularly harmful impact on the sexual health and erectile function of men through biological, psychological and access to care mechanisms. To reach this conclusion, scientists compiled 60 scientific publications on this topic.
The health crisis, cause of many psychological problems…
The psychological aspect first of all: during the Covid-19 pandemic, the mental health of citizens around the world was strongly impacted by the restrictions linked to the health crisis. According to a study carried out by Public Health France last June, the ailments from which the French suffered the most had not improved at the time of the study. These were anxiety, sleep problems or suicidal thoughts. In addition, during the pandemic, anxieties, stress and depression also affected many people.
…that impacted men’s sexual health
These psychological problems have caused erectile dysfunction in many men according to the authors of the study. They also note that, during the health crisis, most males would have had sex less frequently and would also have masturbated less.
“Very many men of all ages sometimes experience “breakdowns” related to fatigue, stress, various concerns or problems with their partner. These small occasional drops in form do not constitute erectile dysfunction strictly speaking. For erectile disorders to be proven, it is necessary that erections are systematically unstable (or absent) during sexual intercourse”. according to Vidal, a French medical book for health professionals. Depression, for example, can cause erectile dysfunction. Finally, the cessation of certain treatments caused by the Covid-19 crisis has also had an impact on men with chronic erectile dysfunction. For lack of regular follow-up, for example, some were unable to take their treatment, which aggravated their problem.
The virus would damage the tissues and blood vessels of the penis
Regarding the consequences of the virus itself on the sexual health of men, the authors of the study believe that it would damage the tissues of the penis necessary for erection. On the other hand, Covid-19 could also have an indirect action by damaging the blood vessels of the reproductive organ. When a man is erect, the supply of blood increases in his corpora cavernosa – tissues of the penis – at the same time as the evacuation of blood decreases. Thus, the penis can straighten and be erect. For this action to occur, the supply and evacuation of blood must work properly, which can be difficult if the blood vessels are damaged.
In conclusion of their study, the authors believe that future research is needed to identify the long-term effects of Covid-19 on the sexual health of men and provide them with concrete and necessary medical answers.
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