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COVID-19 can lead to impotence
Last reviewed: 02.07.2025
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The coronavirus disease, which initially emerged in China and has transformed into a global pandemic, continues to worry scientists. New research has shown that the ACE-2 receptor and the TMPRSS-2 gene are expressed on endothelial cells, and that is why the infection leads to widespread endothelial dysfunction.
The well-known coronavirus that causes COVID-19 can be present in the tissues of the male reproductive system even after recovery, damaging the vascular endothelium and causing erectile dysfunction, according to experts from the Miller College of Medicine at the University of Miami.
It was previously discovered that coronavirus infection damages the endothelium of the vessels of the lungs, kidneys, and heart. Until now, nothing was known about disorders of the cavernous tissue of the male genital organ with a rich vascular network. A new research work by scientists has proven the existence of a relationship between COVID-19 and the subsequent development of complicated erectile dysfunction.
Dr. Ramasamy, a urologist at the Miller College Urology Department, and his colleagues performed biopsies of reproductive organ tissue in two male patients who had recovered from COVID-19 six months and eight months ago. One of the men was treated for COVID-19 in hospital, while the other had a mild case of the disease and was treated at home. The scientists also included two men who had not had the infection in the study. All four patients had undergone penile prosthetic surgery due to erectile dysfunction.
The collected biological materials were analyzed for the content of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (an indicator of endothelial functionality) and the quality of expression of the coronavirus spike protein. Electron microscopic analysis revealed extracellular viral particles of about 100 nm in size with spike-like ends in vascular tissues. The expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase in the cavernous bodies of recovered patients was lower than in men who did not have COVID-19, indicating post-viral endothelial dysfunction.
Today, scientists are conducting a new study that should determine the molecular mechanism of potency disorders due to coronavirus infection.
Earlier, the same scientists had already conducted similar work and found that viral particles enter the testicular tissue of men, which can also have an adverse effect on fertility and facilitate sexual transmission of the infection.
Patients must be informed about possible complications after COVID-19. Any post-infection changes, including those related to erectile function, must be monitored by medical specialists - both for treatment and to facilitate further research.
Source of information: The world journal of men's health