Tip of the iceberg: erectile dysfunction and COVID-19

The novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 caused the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic that resulted in more than 150 million infections and 3.5 million deaths globally. COVID-19 affected men more than women, emerging with more severe disease and higher mortality rates. Androgens may be responsible for the underlying reason of more severe disease, as androgen receptors have been implicated to mediate viral cell entry and infection. Besides, male reproductive organs have been reported to be affected by the especially severe disease, resulting in erectile dysfunction (ED). In this narrative review, we aimed to gather possible mechanisms of the development of ED led by COVID-19. Current evidence illuminates endothelial dysfunction, direct testicular damage, and the psychological burden of COVID-19 that are of the pathways of ED. Although the proposed underlying mechanisms partly fail to answer the questions by which COVID-19 leads to ED, it is important to monitor men who recovered from COVID-19 regarding the sexual dysfunction sequelae of infection and address the long-term consequences.

Automated summary

The COVID-19 pandemic caused by the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 has a greater impact on men, leading to more severe disease and higher mortality rates. Androgens may play a role in the development of severe disease and erectile dysfunction. Endothelial dysfunction, direct testicular damage, and psychological burden are potential pathways for the development of erectile dysfunction in COVID-19.