Do you know that the COVID-19 virus also affects male fertility? It has been found that males who are infected with COVID-19 infection or recovering from it notice some sexual problems like erectile dysfunction (ED), low sperm count, and low testosterone. It’s not clear how they occur and how long they last. So, the best option is to prevent infection. In this article, learn about prevention tips for COVID-19, how COVID affects males’ fertility, and treatment options for this problem. Talk to our specialist for infectious diseases if you have any concerns.

How does COVID affect males?

It’s been found that COVID affects male reproductive organs such as the testicles, penis, and prostate. It’s a rare side-effect, but it can affect their overall sexual health and fertility. This condition is also popular as “COVID penis.” Usually, COVID-19 affects the respiratory system, but it can also impact the reproductive system and cause many sexual health problems for men such as:

• Testicular pain
• Erectile dysfunction
• Lower sperm count
• Decreased fertility
• Smaller penis size
• Decreased sexual drive
• Swelling
• Prolonged erection

What exactly affects male sexual health is unknown, but experts have some theories on it. Researchers found that the COVID-19 virus may invade the entire male genital tract, including the testicles, prostate, and penis. This discovery made them conclude that those health problems are not caused by COVID-19 symptoms like fever or inflammation but are a direct result of the virus infecting cells in the male reproductive system.

Medical researchers found that men with COVID-19 are 3 times more likely to be diagnosed with erectile dysfunction than non-infected men. The study found the risk of ED may be higher because most men don’t report their condition to the doctor. However, it’s not a new thing for a disease to cause erectile dysfunction in men because other viral illnesses such as influenza and HIV/AIDS have already been found responsible for lowering testosterone levels. These viruses affect the hypothalamus, a gland that is found in the brain that regulates many body functions. This explains why researchers found that 30% of COVID-19-recovered men had lowered testosterone levels. Other studies also found COVID-19 connection to a drop in sperm count, which negatively affects sexual fertility.

Additionally, research found a connection between COVID-19 problems with male sexual health that COVID-19 virus particles were found in the penile tissue of men who have had COVID, as proof of endothelial dysfunction. A condition where small blood vessel lining doesn’t function properly which leads to creating blood deficiency in various body parts, causing ED and possible shrinkage of the penis.

The medical community is not aware of how long these symptoms can last, but a study conducted in China on recovered COVID-19 patients found that an erection problem doesn’t last longer than 6 months. Another study took a group of COVID-19 patients and discovered a significant reduction in sperm count and semen volume up to 2 months after infection. In Italy, researchers found over 50% of men experience persistent low testosterone levels, which impact their erectile function, 7 months after being infected with COVID-19. So, it needs more research to understand the impact of COVID-19 on short-term and long-term male sexual health research and study.

Treatment

For treating sexual problems due to COVID-19, you need a proper diagnosis. The doctor will ask about your medical history, perform a physical exam, and order lab tests. Then, the doctor may refer you to a urologist (a physician who specializes in treating problems with the male reproductive tract). Currently, there are several treatment options available if you have a COVID infection of the male genitalia which leads to ED.

• Phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors: Medications like Viagra can be used to improve blood flow to the penis.
• Vacuum-assisted device: This device slides on your penis and creates a vacuum by removing air from the cylinder which can increase blood flow and an erection.
• Suppository: This product needs to be inserted into the penis to stimulate an erection.
• Self-injection: A medication can be injected into the penis through an injection to trigger an erection.
• Penile implant surgery: In this procedure, the surgeon places a prosthetic device inside the penis and activates a pump that creates an erection when used.

Tips for prevention for COVID-19

The best way to prevent the COVID-19 virus is to get vaccinated from the nearest medical facility that provides COVID-19 vaccines. Other tips to prevent COVID-19 are:

• Avoid or limit contact with people who are showing symptoms of COVID-19 or any respiratory infection.
• Avoid touching your face, eyes, nose, or mouth, when you come from outside or if your hands are dirty.
• Frequently wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds thoroughly, especially after you come in contact with many people and touch shared places or things.
• Avoid going out if you feel sick or have any cold or flu symptoms.
• Keep at least a 2-meter distance away from people and don’t go to crowded places and large gatherings.
• Wear a mask in public places or near people who have symptoms that resemble coronavirus.
• Keep the objects and things that you touch a lot (like phones, computers, and doorknobs) sanitized. Wash objects with soap and water that you use to cook or eat with things like utensils and dishware.

It is not clear how COVID-19 can impact men’s sexual health severely in either the short term or the long term. The most common symptoms noticed are – erectile dysfunction, lower testosterone, and sperm count. These symptoms are even found in men who’ve recovered from COVID-19 infection. As research is still going on, the best you can do is to prevent getting infected with COVID-19 by following the above-mentioned tips. And if you have symptoms of male fertility issues caused by COVID-19, seek medical help.

Need help with COVID-19, visit our infectious disease specialists in the Brooklyn clinic to get professional medical help. Call us to book your appointment now!!!

Visit our team of Specialists for infectious diseases at Doral Health & Wellness on 1797 Pitkin Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11212. We also offer other services, such as vaccinations, immunizations, and blood testing. Call us on 13473845690 to get a consultation from our clinic or log on to https://doralhw.org/.