Severe COVID-19 has low testosterone, estrogen levels, and impaired sexuality

Abstract

For assessing whether women with and without COVID-19 differed with regard to female genital self-image, sexual function and hormonal profile. Female genital self-image being assessed with the female genital self-image scale (FGSIS) and Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and laboratory investigations. The study had revealed significant differences in all domains of the FSFI except pain between the cases and the controls. The study had demonstrated significant differences in all domains of the FGSIS between the cases and the controls. The study had shown significant decline in the post-COVID-19 serum levels of total testosterone (TT), free testosterone (FT) and estradiol (E) between the two groups (P < 0.05). Positive correlations between serum TT, FT, E and FGSIS domains and total score of FGSIS in the cases were observed.