A 2024 study from the International Journal of Impotence Research found a “statistically significant increased risk of ED in men diagnosed with long COVID” compared to acute COVID. After narrowing the research group from 180,000 men to two equal groups of 2,839 men—with and without long COVID and with no pre-existing ED conditions—researchers discovered that men with long COVID were more likely to develop ED.

Another study found that prior COVID-19 infection was associated with a 27% increased likelihood of developing new-onset erectile dysfunction compared to those who had never been infected.

Since COVID-19 is still a relatively new disease, the number of studies exploring its relationship to ED is limited. To date, only two population-level studies have assessed the association between COVID and erectile dysfunction. Still, the evidence we do have points to a clear and concerning connection.

Even though the research base is small, scientists believe they already understand some of the reasons why COVID-19 may contribute to ED.

• Vascular damage: COVID is known to damage blood vessels and endothelial cells. A study found that this damage can reduce blood flow and impair the mechanism responsible for achieving and maintaining an erection. Since healthy circulation is crucial for sexual function, this vascular damage may play a direct role.
• Neurological effects: COVID-19 has been linked to neurological symptoms in some cases. If the virus causes damage to nerves involved in the erectile response, it could disrupt the signals required for arousal and erection.
• Systemic health strain: Beyond the physical changes in blood vessels and nerves, COVID-19 can worsen overall health. Fatigue, low energy, and other lingering long COVID symptoms may indirectly reduce sexual desire and performance.

Together, these factors create a picture of why men with long COVID are at greater risk of developing ED.

At the beginning of September 2024, there was a spike in COVID hospitalizations in Kansas and Missouri. While hospitalization rates fluctuate, the virus is still active, and men should be mindful of its lingering effects. If you have had COVID recently or in the past year and are now experiencing erectile dysfunction for the first time, it may be more than a coincidence. The two could be linked.

It’s important to remember that erectile dysfunction is not just about performance in the bedroom. ED can be an early warning sign of serious health problems.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has detailed how ED is linked with an increased risk of heart disease. That’s because the same vascular issues that limit blood flow to the penis may also be affecting arteries elsewhere in the body.

But the risks don’t stop with cardiovascular health. ED is associated with a range of mental and physical health concerns, including anxiety, depression, relational strain, and decreased work productivity. A 2021 study went so far as to call ED a cause of “profound impairment in quality of life.”

For many men, these effects can spiral: the stress of ED contributes to worsening mental health, which can, in turn, further reduce sexual function. Without treatment, the problem may grow larger than the symptom itself.

If you are dealing with new-onset erectile dysfunction after COVID, it’s important not to ignore it. Here are a few steps to consider:

• Talk to your doctor. ED can be an indicator of underlying health issues that deserve attention. A medical professional can help determine whether your ED may be linked to COVID or another condition.
• Consider testing. Blood work and other diagnostic tests can help rule out hormone imbalances, cardiovascular issues, or nerve damage.
• Address lifestyle factors. Healthy habits, such as exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet, getting quality sleep, and managing stress, can improve both ED and overall well-being.
  
• Explore treatment. From medications to therapy to lifestyle interventions, there are effective ways to manage ED. A healthcare provider can recommend what’s best for your situation.

Long COVID has brought many new challenges, and erectile dysfunction is one of the more private but significant ones. The emerging research shows that men with long COVID are more likely to develop ED, and the underlying causes (vascular damage, neurological effects, and systemic health strain) make sense in light of what we know about the virus.

If you’ve noticed changes in your sexual health since contracting COVID, you are not alone, and it’s not something you should brush off. ED is closely tied to heart health, mental well-being, and quality of life. Seeking help is not just about restoring intimacy; it’s about protecting your overall health and longevity.

At Heartland Men’s Health, we understand the complex factors that contribute to erectile dysfunction, including the effects of long COVID. Our team offers personalized, compassionate care to help men identify underlying causes, explore effective treatments, and restore sexual confidence. Whether through medical therapies, lifestyle guidance, or comprehensive evaluations, Heartland Men’s Health is dedicated to supporting men in achieving optimal sexual health and wellbeing.

If you’re looking for a men’s health clinic that offers erectile dysfunction treatments in the Kansas City Metro Area, contact Heartland Men’s Health today for a consultation. We have locations in Overland Park, Kansas, Independence, Missouri, and North Kansas City, Missouri. We are eager to help you find the appropriate treatment method for your erectile dysfunction.