A factor not to be ignored in post-COVID-19 erectile dysfunction; psychological effect, a prospective study

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Psychiatry
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common concern affecting male sexual health.
• The psychological impact of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) on various aspects of health is increasingly recognized.
• The potential link between COVID-19 infection and the development or exacerbation of ED requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the psychological impact of COVID-19 on the development of erectile dysfunction in male patients.
• To assess the correlation between anxiety, depression, and erectile function following COVID-19 infection.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 156 male patients diagnosed with COVID-19 between March and July 2021.
• Utilized the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7 (GAD-7) questionnaires.
• Administered assessments at the onset of the disease and at the one-month follow-up.

Main Results:

• Mean IIEF scores significantly decreased after COVID-19 (73.42 to 68.28, p < .01).
• Patients reported significantly higher BDI scores (1.69 to 2.22, p < .01) and GAD-7 scores (4.69 to 6.56, p < .01) post-infection.
• Negative correlations were observed between increased BDI scores and decreased IIEF scores (r = -0.356, p < .001), and between increased GAD-7 scores and decreased IIEF scores (r = -0.200, p = .012).

Conclusions:

• Anxiety and depression are significant contributing factors to erectile dysfunction following COVID-19.
• COVID-19 infection negatively impacts male sexual function, likely mediated by psychological distress.
• Healthcare providers should consider screening for and addressing mental health concerns in patients experiencing ED post-COVID-19.