Can Covid-19 Infection Cause Erectile Dysfunction?

In late 2019, a virus went wild and infected people in China, but it was not until early of the following year that it spread globally. It was thought that it causes respiratory infection, but it turned out it was more than it was thought. Covid-19 infection could lead to many other conditions, but does a Covid-19 infection cause erectile dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction is a medication condition in men leading to the inability to achieve an erection hard enough for sexual penetration. There are many factors leading to erectile dysfunction, including psychological issues, early signs of cardiovascular problems, back pain, and even watching too much porn.

In this coronavirus era, does having a Covid-19 infection cause erectile dysfunction? For over two years now into this pandemic, there have already been many scientific papers published that can answer this particular question.

Covid-19 Infection Causes Erectile Dysfunction

One recently published paper in the Journal of Sexual Medicine, dated February 2022, says that men with post Covid-19 infection have a higher risk of erectile dysfunction.

Another paper published in Nature also in February 2022, has similar findings that Covid-19 plays a role in erectile dysfunction. Although,  the researchers are not clear about the exact pathophysiology, they know that Covid-19 infection cause erectile dysfunction as it causes the following;

• endothelial damage in erectile tissue
• testicular damage
• psychological alterations

Taking all these into accounts, researchers needed a long-term study to clarify the role of Covid-19 in male sexual health.

Even earlier published paper in Andrology on March 2021 says;

…there is preliminary evidence in a real-life population of ED as a risk factor of developing COVID-19 and possibly occurring as a consequence of COVID-19

Andrea Sansone,Daniele Mollaioli,Giacomo Ciocca,Elena Colonnello,Erika Limoncin,Giancarlo Balercia,Emmanuele A. Jannini; 20 March 2021; https://doi.org/10.1111/andr.13003

Additionally, two more papers published supported findings of the papers mentioned above [1][2], and article in University of Florida also referred to one of authors of a paper saying there is compelling evidence that Covid-19 infection cause erectile dysfunction or ED.

Covid-19 Is Scary But Early Treatment Is Important

Erectile dysfunction as a consequence of Covid-19 infection is just one of the many consequences. But a paper published in August 2020 emphasized the importance of early treatment.

Just like with any other disease that might potentially affect anybody, prevention or early treatment is an important factor. Therefore, even though Covid-19 can be fatal, at the onset of symptoms, taking early treatment can be crucial.

On the other hand, a healthy diet and exercise are essential, especially Covid-19 attacks the immune system. So, boosting the immune system naturally is a crucial part of maintaining and achieving optimal health.

At this point in time, even though the pandemic is waning already, considering to shift towards healthy lifestyle practices is a good idea. Know that certain lifestyle practices can weaken the immune system, making the body more vulnerable to diseases and infections.

How Boost The Immune System?

There are many ways to boost the body’s immune system. Here are a few of them;

1. Exercise regularly
2. Taking a walk
3. Eating the right kinds of foods including fermented foods
4. Intermittent fasting
5. Practicing breathing techniques
6. Drinking coffee

Additionally, taking supplements like zinc can be an additional benefit. Even taking male enhancement supplements like Male Extra can be a helpful boost and protection as it contains ingredients like L-Arginine as it is helpful for male sexual health, in general.

Of course, don’t forget to take vitamin C and vitamin D. For anyone living in a region where there is no abundance in sunlight, consider bright light therapy.

Takeaways

There is no doubt Covid-19 claimed many lives and affected everyone on a global scale. However, there is always hope. When it comes to protecting the body against Covid-19 and any other viruses, a robust immune system is the first line of defense.

Fortunately, there are many ways to boost the immune system naturally. And for those who have already been affected by erectile issues as a consequence of Covid-19 infection, consult your doctor.

In addition, start shifting towards healthy lifestyle practices. As one study finds, erectile dysfunction due to Covid-19 infection causes endothelial damage, don’t lose hope as endothelial cells are resilient and can be healed.

Perhaps, adding nitric oxide boosting regimens could be a good and helpful idea, such as exercise and breathing practice.