There is growing evidence both from post-pandemic epidemiological studies and biochemistry research that there may be a number of direct links between the unique new virus and Erectile Dysfunction.
From the population studies, it has been found that the virus does not affect both genders equally. It is more prevalent in male patients and produces higher levels of fatal outcomes, usually when the infected men had pre-existing conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and obesity.
Further research into the daily impact of the virus on the general population shows that sexually active people are suddenly facing new social pressures due to COVID-19-driven fears affecting sexual behavior in several ways. The pandemic disrupted the relationships between partners regarding sex life and function. Sexually active people experienced decreased frequency of sexual contact and lower levels of satisfaction. A sign of these complications has been a rise in the incidence of erectile dysfunction (ED) reported by mature males.
In biological research, doctors are now proposing that there is a connection between endothelial dysfunction, testicular insufficiency and the psychological pressures brought on by COVID-19.
Endothelial cells line the inner surfaces of blood vessels such as veins and arteries. The corpus cavernosum – the chambers inside the penis that fill up with blood in order to stiffen and swell to achieve and sustain an erection – is rich in endothelial cells. Any disruption of the function of these cells can have a devastating effect on how well the erection is achieved and sustained.
COVID-19-driven endothelial dysfunction and erectile dysfunction
The emerging evidence shows that endothelial dysfunction is a major cause of most COVID-19 symptoms. There is visible evidence that cells coming from the endothelium infected by SARS-CoV-2 are changed. In severe COVID-19 cases having pre-existing diseases such as hypertension, obesity, and diabetes, underlying endothelial damage is the main trigger for cardiovascular disease. It is one of the main causes of death from the virus.
What is more, the age of a man when he is infected by the virus can also be an important factor. ACE2 (angiotensin-converting enzyme 2) is the receptor for the SARS-CoV-2 virus which causes COVID-19. ACE2 expression decreases with old age, which should lead to lower infection rates in the older population. This means that older men who nevertheless contract COVID-19 may have less natural ability to fight off the resultant endothelial dysfunction pathophysiology and damage.
Endothelial damage associated with COVID-19 can lead to impaired erectile function since it is likely to affect penile vascular functions.
There are two hypotheses about how the SARS-CoV-2 virus can lead to ED.
- Similar to other complications from COVID-19, ED can result from widespread endothelial dysfunction during systemic infection.
- Persistent ED can be due to the virus’ presence within the penis’ cavernosal endothelium itself.
Achieving normal erectile function needs a complex combination of hormonal, neural, and vascular signaling. Impairment of any of these, or external influences such as psychological pressures, can induce ED. Numerous pathophysiological combinations can combine and have a negative impact on erectile function.
The underlying reason for COVID-19-driven ED could be the function of the virus corrupting the biological pathways involved in the regulation of erection. The likelihood and severity of ED are also associated with various other causal factors, including age, diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and obesity.
Nitric oxide (NO) in reactions with healthy endothelial cells is the primary mediator in the relaxation process in the corpus cavernosum that facilitates erections. Lower availability of NO is the leading cause of endothelial dysfunction and probably causes limited dilation of the corpus with aging.
Preventing and fighting COVID-related erectile dysfunction
Just as there is not yet any cure insight for COVID-19, there’s no way to totally avoid the risk of infection by the virus, or to guarantee that if you do get infected, you will be able to prevent any possibility of damage to your sex life. But a few sensible steps can help in both areas.
Prevention:
Keep yourself protected. In the same way as you would protect against STDs, shield yourself when engaging in sexual activity. If you have any idea that you are about to engage in sex with a person who could themselves be virulent with the virus, one of the best available safeguards is the Nitric Oxide Nasal Spray (NONS) barrier Enovid. It is a simple spray that dispenses a shield against airborne viruses effective for as long as five hours and that you can carry in your pocket at all times.
Furthermore, ENOVID is built on Nitric Oxide, one of the most important compounds in maintaining normal erectile function.
Mitigation:
If COVID-19 has infected you, don’t add to the physiological burden by worrying too much in the recovery about your sexual performance. A decline may be just a passing phase. But, if you start to panic, you can get your body and mind into a negative feedback loop. Then the psychological pressure begins to overwhelm your body’s recovery, eventually completely stifling the ability to achieve and sustain an erection. In other words – keep calm.