Coronavirus: Three long COVID symptoms that may impact sexual performance

Testing COVID positive or negative is how we usually determine whether we're still infected or contagious with the SARs-CoV-2 virus. However, a negative test result does not always mean COVID-19 is over for you or out of your system. It just indicates that you're not capable of infecting others. That said, people may continue to bear the ills of the virus and experience symptoms that linger on for weeks and even months. This is called long COVID.

While we're aware of how this condition affects different parts of our body, including the heart and the brain, researchers have pointed out that it can even impact our sex life. In a recent study, experts found three symptoms that could be associated with lowered sexual performance. Let's find out about it...

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The new study published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ), looked at and evaluated over 500,000 people who had been infected with the coronavirus. It was found that the participants complained of experiencing reduced libido and difficulty in ejaculating. Furthermore the researchers also found that hair loss was a common long term problem associated with decreased sexual health.

As per Doctor Sanghvi, Clinical technology lead at LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor, “In my experience as a doctor, these symptoms can all impact men’s confidence and, thus, their sex lives.”

“Since this research came out, interest in the link between long Covid and these symptoms has skyrocketed," he adds.

In addition, the doctor also pointed out: "Google search volumes show queries asking ‘Does covid cause erectile dysfunction’ were up 650 percent week on week, while searches for ‘Long Covid hair loss’ increased by 130 percent."

“In my view, this is evidence that this is something men are really concerned about.”

That said, it is not only important to understand these symptoms in detail but one must also know how to tackle these problems. Doctor Sanghvi advises on the same.

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As per Dr Sanghvi, men should book an appointment if they experience any symptoms associated with negative sex life.

“If you have had Covid and have started to notice unusual symptoms such as hair loss or any form of sexual dysfunction, don’t suffer in silence,” he said.

According to him, hair loss can have a massive impact on men’s self esteem so it’s important not to ignore this symptom of long COVID.

“An appointment with your GP is probably the best option. They may decide to conduct tests in order to find the best treatment option," he advises.

“Don’t be too concerned though. Hair loss caused by fever, illness or stress tends to grow back, given time," he adds further.

If one experiences low libido or decreased sex drive, they should discuss treatment options with their doctors as they can help determine the cause, which is central to understanding the treatment methods.

“A great place to start is by looking after your mental health and ensuring you’re getting enough sleep and exercise, and are eating healthily," Dr. Sanghvi explains.

He adds saying, “I’d also encourage taking the time to have open discussions with your partner about your emotional needs."

Premature ejaculation is one of the most concerning aspects of erectile dysfunction (ED), as per the doctor.

However, he adds, “But this research has found delayed ejaculation to be an issue for men with long Covid. This is when men have difficulty ejaculating or fail to ejaculate, even when stimulated.

“Treatment varies depending on the underlying cause, so the starting point should be a discussion with your GP," he notes.

Long COVID symptoms are wide-ranging. Fever, persistent cough, fatigue, body pain, shortness of breath, chest pain, parosmia or anosmia, which is the partial or full loss of sense of smell, are just some of the common symptoms of long COVID.

Furthermore, people may also experience neurological symptoms including headache, brain fog, difficulty concentrating and more.

The best way to steer clear of all these COVID-related complications is by taking preventive measures against COVID-19. Wear your masks regularly, avoid close contact, maintain proper hand hygiene and get your vaccine shots on time. As long as you're vigilant, you're well protected against the virus.