Prevalence of new onset erectile dysfunction among Damietta governorate men after contracting COVID-19

Abstract

Abstract Background Several reports showed that sexual function was affected during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Aims The objective of the study was to demonstrate whether a realistic association exists between the COVID-19 pandemic and erectile dysfunction (ED) among a sampled Egyptian population in Damietta governorate. Methods This cross-sectional study consisted of 330 adult males diagnosed with COVID-19 infection. They were categorized in three age groups (18–29, 30–39, and 40–50 years, respectively). COVID-19-confirmed cases were assessed by the Arabic version of the International Index of Erectile Function questionnaire (IIEF) scores. Results The prevalence of ED according to the IIEF was 55.1%. The ED was categorized into mild ED which represents 25.8% of the patients, mild to moderate which represents 22.4% of the patients, moderate which represents 7% of the patients, and severe which represents 0% of the patients. We found a significant negative correlation between the age of the patients and the IIEF score. Also, we found an association between the severity of COVID-19 infection and the IIEF score. Conclusion An association of new-onset ED in men who suffered COVID-19 infection was established. This may be due to virus-induced endothelial cell dysfunction; however, an underlying mechanism and causation have not yet been clearly elucidated. While it appears that COVID-19 infection may be a risk factor for ED, additional research is needed to establish causality.