Anyone who has been keeping abreast of the news, especially when dealing with the pandemic, may have come across of reports that COVID-19 can cause erectile dysfunction (ED). Though it may sound disturbing, having this odd side effect, data currently being gathered, continues to grow.
Now that vaccines are not only available in the U.S. but the majority of the world, one might be wondering, can these vaccinations also cause ED?
Can COVID-19 Vaccines Cause Erectile Dysfunction?
It is not surprising that none of the COVID-19 vaccine manufacturers listed any issues attributed to any sexual health or ED in any of their reports. Only that the top vaccines currently in use only show that the shots itself may cause pain or swelling where the vaccine was injected.
The listed side effects may include the following:
- Headache
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Chills
- Fever
However, there is no solid evidence that suggests COVID-19 vaccines can cause ED or damage to the penis or the testicles.
Additionally, the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) has not released any data tying COVID-19 vaccinations to ED. VAERS is the agency responsible for monitoring adverse reactions to all vaccines. The summary of raw data gathered from this monitoring is reported to the CDC.
Though the CDC is monitoring several possible complications due to the COVID-19 vaccines, ED is not among them.
COVID-19 Vaccine, Sperm Count, and Male Fertility
As of this time, no evidence proposes that COVID-19 vaccines can impact sperm count. So far, there are two studies that looked into sperm counts following vaccinations against COVID-19.
A study from the University of Miami looked into sperm counts before and after COVID-19 vaccinations. The study looked into both MRNA vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna and found no difference in sperm count and sperm production.
Another study, yet to be published, has also concluded or produced the same results. Additionally, the CDC stated that COVID-19 vaccination is safe and does not inhibit fertility, both in males and females.
There being, no correlation has been proven or established between COVID-19 vaccines and ED or any sexual dysfunction, health organizations encourage people that meet vaccination criteria to get their shots and be vaccinated.
COVID-19 and Erectile Dysfunction
There are studies conducted, as early as June 2020, that show a link between COVID-19 and ED. To people who got infected, and got sick with COVID-19, this finding is entirely unexpected since those who got sick were mainly having lung and respiratory problems.
The research has demonstrated that the COVID-19 virus attacks the endothelium. The endothelium is identified as the lining of all our blood vessels, such as: veins, and the arteries.
So what happens is, when the endothelium is damaged, the blood vessels cease to work properly and will be unable to deliver nutrients and oxygen to the body’s organs. Without nutrients and oxygen, the organs are affected and won’t be able to function well.
Additionally, all our organs have blood vessels, this makes it also possible that the virus can cause damage to any organ in the body – this includes the penis.
Apart from possible direct damage to the blood vessels in the penis, there are other possible findings that being infected of COVID-19 may contribute to ED through:
- Damage to the heart and lungs
- Decreased testosterone levels
- Mental health caused by isolation due to the pandemic (regardless if they get COVID-19 or not)
Can COVID-19 Cause Direct Damage to the Penis?
Since it is already established by science, over a decade ago, that any damage to the endothelium can cause ED. Since reports started coming in of people developing ED following a bout with COVID-19, scientists began looking into any evidence that having COVID-19 can cause damage to the endothelium of the penis.
However, they are faced with a block since it is difficult to prove, since it is required that they run tests on penile tissue samples. Even after infection has cleared, COVID-19 viruses can still be detected in penile tissues and blood vessels, according to a study.
Do note, however, that this study was conducted only with four people. Regardless of this fact, it was able to show that the male subjects had endothelial damage in their penises after they had COVID-19.
There is no way to know if this study is relevant to a greater number of males infected or even to men at large when applied to the entire male population, given the small sample size.
COVID-19 Organ Damage and Erectile Dysfunction
It is already established that COVID-19 can inflict damage to organs in the body, including the heart and lungs, by attacking the endothelium in these organs. Scientists are constantly working to show that this may contribute to ED, although it is not directly linked to the endothelium in the penis.
Some patients have been observed to suffer from ED. There are some men who come to doctors’ offices and clinics saying they have ED after a bout with COVID-19 infection.
As of this moment, there is only anecdotal evidence and doctors have no clue on the scale of the issue (if there really is any) at this point in time. Note that at this point, it has not been proven that COVID-19 itself causes ED.
Should You Be Concerned?
Erectile dysfunction (ED) affected millions of men even before the pandemic spread across the globe. It is a condition that should not cause embarrassment to the one who is afflicted by it. By answering questions truthfully, you can begin to address any concern you may have that concerns your sexual health.
Key Takeaways:
- As of the current time, there is NO evidence that COVID-19 vaccination can cause erectile dysfunction.
- However, there is a growing evidence that links COVID-19 infections to ED
- The collection of data on the adverse effects or reactions to the COVID-19 vaccine is still being monitored continuously.
Erectile Dysfunction Treatment at Thrones Health Telemedicine
If you are concerned regarding how Covid-19 vaccination could potentially impact your sexual health, it is advisable as of this time to maintain a healthy lifestyle, boost your immunity, and stay vigilant. The best thing to do while data is continually being gathered on this matter is to focus on the things we can control. And if in case, ED does bother you in fact (whether it is linked to Covid-19 vaccination or not), we advise that you consult a health expert’s opinion on your case.
Thrones Health is a discreet telemedicine online service that helps concerned men and women with their sensitive healthcare concerns. And it is very easy to get started.
