The neurological decline and psychological factors caused by coronavirus disease 2019 may be predictors of erectile dysfunction.

Abstract

Background: Since the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019, it has had a serious impact on people's physical and mental health. However, in our clinical work, we have found that the erectile function of coronavirus disease 2019 patients with neurological decline was often seriously affected.

Objectives: To further explore the relationship between erectile dysfunction and neurological dysfunction caused by coronavirus disease 2019.

Materials and methods: We conducted a survey from August 2022 to February 2023 at the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University and the Third People's Hospital of Linyi City. A total of 251 subjects with a history of coronavirus disease 2019 infection were included. Symptoms and changes in erectile function after the coronavirus disease 2019 infection were collected and assessed using the International Index of Erectile Function-5 scale and several targeted questions.

Results: In this study, we found that in patients infected with novel coronavirus, the proportion of erectile dysfunction was higher in those with neurological manifestations such as olfactory and taste impairment or psychological symptoms such as anxiety.

Discussion: We found that neurological decline and psychological factors were independent and significant risk factors for erectile dysfunction caused by coronavirus disease 2019.

Conclusion: Patients with neurological damage or psychiatric symptoms are more likely to have erectile dysfunction, suggesting that the 2019 novel coronavirus may affect erectile function by damaging nerves. This provides a new insight into the mechanism of erectile dysfunction.