Can COVID-19 trigger ED and other sexual health issues for men?

This article will provide research evidence for the link between COVID-19 and men sexual health issues. Specifically, this article aims to explain the link between Erectile Dysfunction (ED) and COVID-19, and how men are 5.6 times more likely to develop ED after contracting COVID, with reference to treatments e-Pharmacy can offer your brand.

 

 

What is ED? 

Erectile Dysfunction is a condition where men may fail to get an erection or stay hard for a period of time. This is usually caused by stress, tiredness, anxiety or drinking too much alcohol, but other factors may be triggers of ED too. It’s a common issue, with approximately 50-55% of men between the ages of 40-70 suffering from it, which is the equivalent of 4.3 million men in the UK, and 1 in 10 men will suffer from ED at some point in their lifetime [1].

 

Is there a link between COVID-19 and the development of ED?

Studies on the effects of COVID-19 over the pandemic have raised similar concerns that COVID may be responsible for triggering Erectile Dysfunction and other sexual health issues for men. The World’s Journal of Men’s Health conducted a study on 2 men who were infected with COVID and later developed severe ED, to the point they required penile implants. The researchers found that the men still had virus present in their penile tissue 6-8 months after contracting COVID, which may have attributed to the trigger of ED in both men [2]. Further studies by Forbes support the link between COVID-19 and the development of ED, where a study stated men who have been infected with COVID-19 are 5.6 times more likely to develop ED.

 

 

Why is there a link between COVID & ED?

The COVID-19 virus can be found near the blood vessel endothelial cells, which are cells lining the insides of the blood vessels of the penile tissues. This means that less blood can flow into the blood vessels, as they are damaged cells, and therefore making it harder to get an erection. Thus, constituting an ED diagnosis.

 

 

How can ED be treated?

Developing long lasting erectile dysfunction can seriously affect your sexual health, mental health and relationships. If you’re concerned about developing ED after contracting COVID, or are currently suffering, there are steps you can take to ensure it is treated effectively.

 

e-Pharmacy sell ED pills, which can help relax the blood vessels within the penis, aiding erections when sexually aroused. Options included:

• Viagra and the over-the-counter version, Viagra Connect
• Sildenafil, a cheaper, generic version of Viagra that works the same way
• Cialis, a longer lasting alternative, or the generic equivalent Tadalafil
• Cialis Once Daily, a treatment taken every day that allows for spontaneous sexual activity
• Levitra, otherwise known as Vardenafil
• Spedra, the fastest acting ED pill available
• Natural remedies: Daily exercise to help with cardiovascular health, Quit or cut down on smoking & Weight loss if you’re overweight

Can COVID trigger other sexual health issues?

Further studies have shown men may suffer other sexual health issues as a result of 

COVID. Other sexual health issues may include testicular swelling or pain, the inability to achieve orgasm, low testosterone levels and mental health issues. Researchers have also found a potential link between a COVID-19 infection and a lower reproduction capability, where scientists performed biopsies on 6 men aged 20-87 who had previously contracted COVID. In this study, they found virus particles in one man’s testicles, and 3 of the men (50%) had poor sperm quality [3]. This implies COVID-19 may have links to fertility rates, but as this was a small pool of data, more research will be needed to clarify this link.

 

 

How may this affect the Pharmacy and sexual health market?

Pharmacies may see an increase in male patients seeking ED treatments, due to its potential link with COVID-19. By partnering with e-Pharmacy, we will help you embed online prescribing and pharmacy services directly on your website and mobile app ,so your customers can purchase relevant prescription treatments. This means your business could help to reduce this burden on pharmacies, to allow them to treat more severe cases.

 

 

How to stay safe from COVID-19?

Although most restrictions within the UK have been eased, you can still take measures to protect yourself from contracting COVID-19:

• Get Vaccinated: Book your COVID-19 jab here
• Frequent Hand Washing: Wash your hands for 20 seconds under lukewarm water

 

 

Sources

[1] Erectile Dysfunction (impotence) | https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/erection-problems-erectile-dysfunction/ | NHS

[2] Can Covid-19 Coronavirus Cause Long-Term Erectile Dysfunction? Here are 2 more studies | https://www.forbes.com/sites/brucelee/2021/05/16/can-covid-19-coronavirus-cause-long-term-erectile-dysfunction-here-are-2-more-studies/?sh=34e74ed01e75 | Forbes

[3]  COVID-19 may impair men’s sexual performance | https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/covid-19-may-impair-mens-sexual-performance | National Geographic