In addition to the loss of smell and reduced breathing capacity, another side effect of COVID for some is erectile dysfunction. LSU Health New Orleans Urologist Dr. Matthew Mutter said when a man is fighting COVID it causes a systemic inflammatory response throughout the body.
“That in and of itself of fighting the Coronavirus infection and having the systemic inflammatory response can cause decreased blood flow to the penis,” said Mutter.
While it’s too early to tell if ED is a permanent or temporary side effect of COVID, Mutter said men with preexisting conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and pulmonary issues are already vulnerable to ED.
“COVID may just be one more strain on the body that can then put them over the edge to not longer have erectile function,” said Mutter.
In addition to lack of blood flow, Mutter said the causes of ED are multifactorial. ED can also be a result of a psychological issue and the ongoing pandemic has added many stressors in life for all of us.
“That can weigh heavily from an emotional and mental standpoint on a man and having anxiety to potentially get COVID can also cause some erectile dysfunction in men,” said Utter.
Mutter said if you are suffering from ED, despite if you’ve had COVID or not, always seek professional help. Mutter said they are seeing more cases of ED among young men which can be an early indicator of heart disease.
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