The Association of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Male Sexual Function in the United States: A Survey Study of Male Cannabis Users

Introduction: International studies have suggested that social disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic have led to sexual dysfunction, but the impact on males in the United States is less defined. Aim: To examine changes in male sexual function during the COVID-19 pandemic and to evaluate associated demographic variables. Methods: Prepandemic survey data was collected between October 20, 2019 and March 1, 2020 on adult males in the United States. Follow-up survey data collected for comparison during the COVID-19 pandemic between August 1, 2020 and October 10, 2020 included International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) scores, Patient Health Questionnaire for Depression and Anxiety with 4 items (PHQ-4) scores, and questions regarding sexual frequency. Questions were also asked about mask-wearing habits, job loss, relationship changes, and proximity to individuals who tested positive for COVID-19. Main Outcome Measures: Differences in prepandemic and pandemic male sexual function assessed by selfreported IIEF domain scores and sexual frequency Results: Seventy six men completed both prepandemic and pandemic surveys with a mean age of 48.3 years. Overall, there were no differences in either overall IIEF score or any subdomain score when comparing men's pre-pandemic and pandemic survey data. There was an increase in sexual frequency during the pandemic with 45% of men reporting sex ten or more times per month during the pandemic compared to only 25% of men prior to the pandemic (P =.03). Among the subgroup of 36 men who reported a decrease in IIEF, the decrease was an average of 3.97, and significantly associated with higher PHQ-4 depression subscale scores (1.78 vs 1.03, P =.02). Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic is associated with increased sexual frequency and no change in overall sexual function in males in the United States. Interventions intended to promote male sexual health during the COVID-19 pandemic should include a focus on mental health. Copyright (C) 2021 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. on behalf of the International Society for Sexual Medicine.

Automated summary

The study found that there were no significant changes in overall male sexual function during the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States, but there was an increase in sexual frequency. For those who reported a decrease in sexual function, it was significantly associated with higher depression scores. Therefore, interventions aimed at promoting male sexual health during the COVID-19 pandemic should focus on mental health.