The Impact Of Post-COVID-19 Syndrome On Serum Sex Hormones And Sexual Functions In Males

Abstract

Background: COVID-19 has been associated with various long-term effects and multisystemic damage, including potential disruptions in endocrinal and sexual functions. This study investigated the impact of post-COVID-19 condition on serum sex hormones and sexual functions in male patients.

Methods: This hospital-based cross-sectional case-control study has been carried on 200 male participants and involved two groups: 100 men with post-COVID-19 syndrome and 100 healthy age-matched controls. Assessments included detailed medical histories, physical and genital examinations, body mass index (BMI), and questionnaires to evaluate sexual functions, including erectile dysfunction (ED), and premature ejaculation (PE). Also, Hormone levels of total testosterone (TT), free testosterone (FT), estradiol (E2), luteinizing hormone (LH), and prolactin (PRL) were measured and compared.

Results: The post-COVID-19 group exhibited significant reductions in TT, FT, and LH levels and increases in E2 and PRL compared to controls (p < 0.001). Sexual dysfunction was notably higher among the post-COVID-19 group, with 28% reporting decreased sexual desire, 43% experiencing ED, and 10% experiencing PE, compared to minimal or no dysfunction in controls. Age, diabetes, and hypertension were significantly associated with decreased sexual desire and ED severity.

Conclusion: Post-COVID-19 condition appears to, significantly, impact serum sex hormone levels and sexual function in men, suggesting that hormonal imbalances may contribute to long-term sexual dysfunction in this population. These findings highlight the need for endocrinological and sexual health assessments in men recovering from COVID-19.