As if the impact of the pandemic could not get any worse or longer-lasting, we are now learning that having COVID puts you at risk to develop a number of sexual dysfunctions and difficulties. Just great.
Other articles have discussed the immediate impacts of living through the COVID era on your sex life (both positive and negative). Here is what to be on the lookout for in the future if you have had COVID.
1. Erectile Dysfunction
If you have a penis and you have had COVID, there is a three-time more likely chance you will develop erectile dysfunction later on, perhaps even sooner than is typical.
2. Decreased Sperm Production
Men who have had COVID have been observed to have lower sperm counts after having had COVID than before having COVID. This could have long-term negative implications on fertility and the ability to conceive, though more research is needed to confirm this.
3. Decreased Testosterone Production
Post-COVID men have been recorded to have statistically significant drops in testosterone production, which can lead to decreased arousal and interest in sex altogether. According to a study done at the University of Florida, led by Dr. Joseph Katz, D.M.D. It has found the virus lowers testosterone levels so make sure to get checked by your physician if you have concerns.
4. Irregular Menstrual Cycles
Many women have already reported changes to their menstrual cycle during and long after having COVID. While this does not directly signify sexual dysfunction, it is important to note that an irregular menstrual cycle does not just mean an irregular period, it also means a disrupted pattern of ovulation, hormone production, and all the biological processes and drives that are driven by that hormone production. This could include impacts on sex drive as well as fertility.
5. Long COVID Breathing Problems
There have already been numerous cases of “long COVID” where the infectious and critical period of having COVID has passed, but patients still have lingering symptoms or effects. One of the most popular of these includes breathing problems, breathlessness, or being short of breath. This could impact a person’s enjoyment of sex as it could affect stamina, position possibilities, and recovery periods.
6. Brain Fog & Chronic Fatigue
Studies recorded observable impacts of COVID on a person’s energy levels and fatigue long after being diagnosed with COVID as well as a lingering “brain fog.” Patients have experienced chronic fatigue, not unlike other manifestations of chronic fatigue syndrome and this has a major impact on how much a person wants sex or how long a person can participate in sex before becoming too tired to be interested any longer. The long-COVID “brain fog” has been described as a difficulty stringing thoughts together, getting confused easily, and a decrease in processing speed. Any combination of these factors might influence a person’s interest in sex or enjoyment of sex.
7. Chain Reactions of COVID, Symptoms, Medications, and Side Effects
This is more of an indirect impact, but is still important to consider. COVID-19 has been reported to worsen or even cause heart conditions in patients long-term. These conditions are often treated with medications such as beta-blockers, which can cause side effects such as Erectile Dysfunction.
8. Mental Health Problems
Finally, and likely at no surprise to anyone reading this, having COVID or even just living through the COVID era can cause or worsen mental health issues. Go figure. Depression, anxiety, OCD, and even ADHD can worsen or become more intrusive after having had COVID. Each of these diagnoses can impact your ability to become aroused, stay aroused, stay engaged in sex, reach orgasm, or desire sex at all. COVID can make those effects even worse than before. I have been working with individuals who have been extra cautious due to germs or squeamish about the thought of touching others and it has affected relationships through this pandemic.
So what can you do with all of this information besides have something new to worry about? Well, for starters, now you know what to look for or what to keep track of. If you (or your partner) notice patterns of changes in your arousal, enjoyment of sex, ability to orgasm, or general health and well-being, now you know not to ignore it and that it could be a long-term side effect of having COVID. More importantly, there are treatments or solutions for each of the problems listed above. Identifying you have a problem is the first step to solving one. Make sure to contact your physician if you feel that you may have a long-term reaction due to COVID.
If you think you may be experiencing sexual difficulties due to having had COVID or even just living through a pandemic, contact Dr. Stacy Friedman today for a free consultation. If you or your partner are experiencing sexual concerns of any kind, it may help to talk to a professional. Dr. Stacy Friedman holds a Doctorate degree in Human Sexuality in addition to a Masters in Clinical Sexology and is a Certified Sex Coach. She offers remote complimentary 15-minute consultations and ongoing coaching sessions on her website.