According to the Centers for Disease Control, 20% of men infected with the virus (1 in 13 American men) suffer long-term health effects.
Symptoms of “long COVID-19” are widespread and can include chronic fatigue, muscle pain, lung and respiratory problems, heart disease, diarrhea and abdominal pain, and erectile dysfunction. Symptoms may last for weeks, months, or years, and in some cases may be permanent.
A large study found that men infected with the coronavirus were 20% more likely to experience erectile dysfunction.
Another study of nearly 500,000 men identified difficulty ejaculating and decreased libido as long-corona symptoms.
A comprehensive review of 60 studies concluded that “COVID-19 has unique detrimental effects on men's health and erectile function through biological, mental health, and health care access mechanisms.”
Researchers are beginning to understand how COVID-19 causes long-term erectile dysfunction. COVID-19 may negatively impact endothelial function. Because these cells secrete substances that regulate blood vessel relaxation and constriction, damage to these cells is likely to affect erectile function. There is evidence that the virus remains within the endothelial cells of the penis for up to 7 months after infection.
Additional research has shown that the virus can cause long-term damage to blood vessels and lower testosterone. (See the article “Does COVID-19 Cause Long-Term Erectile Dysfunction?”)
It is not yet known how long the damage caused by the coronavirus will last. Studies conducted in China and Italy have shown that erectile function declines at least six to seven months after infection.
Despite public concerns about vaccine effectiveness, several studies have found no link between vaccination and erectile dysfunction. Erectile dysfunction and other symptoms of Long Corona are caused by the virus, not the vaccine.