Anosmia and ageusia: a piece of the puzzle in the etiology of COVID-19-related transitory erectile dysfunction

Bertolo, Riccardo; Cipriani, C.; Bove, Pierluigi

doi:10.1007/s40618-021-01516-5

Cited by 20 publications

(14 citation statements)

References 6 publications

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“…Among the symptoms triggered by COVID-19, it has been proposed that anosmia and ageusia are factors that may contribute to the reduction of social bonds, sexual interest and intercourse engagement. This phenomenon may be a consequence of the inhibition of the perception of pheromones and chemical induction of the neural interactions that lead to sexual stimulation 57 .…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Association Between Sleep Disturbances and Erectile Dysfunction During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Andersen

Tufik

2022

Sexual Medicine Reviews

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Introduction : There is increasing concern about the impact of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on mental and physical health. Among the many possible outcomes of COVID-19, reports of sleep disturbances and erectile dysfunction are becoming prevalent worldwide. Methods : We sought to evaluate the recent literature on this subject to produce a narrative review of the topic by means of an extensive literature search to identify recent scientific findings on this subject. Results : To date, the precise mechanisms that trigger pandemic related sexual dysfunction are not completely understood, although it has been suggested that psychogenic effects play an important role, in addition to the direct effects of the disease itself on those infected. There is evidence that the stress induced by the pandemic has had a significant impact on sleep, and sleep disturbances are known to induce erectile dysfunction. Other mechanisms which trigger this phenomenon, such as hormonal changes and previous health conditions, have been suggested to be associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection, and these factors may have a potential link to sleep disturbance. Conclusions : The combined effect of COVID-19 and the psychogenic disorders triggered by isolation, grief, and anxiety might be associated with the increased prevalence of erectile dysfunction. This feature might be worsened by the onset of pre-existing or pandemic-induced sleep disorders. However, few studies explored this subject. Understanding this phenomenon is important for the strategic planning of treatments that could improve the quality of life of the population.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Association Between Sleep Disturbances and Erectile Dysfunction During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Andersen

Tufik

2022

Sexual Medicine Reviews

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“…Sexual impairment, in particular erectile dysfunction, has been suggested to be possible after COVID-19 due to both endothelial and autonomic components of male erection [68,69]. In addition, anosmia and ageusia, possible post-COVID complications, may participate in impaired sexual responses [70]. Nevertheless, it is not possible to reconduct sexual impairment only to ANS dysfunction, as psychogenic might play a fundamental role during a pandemic [71].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Autonomic dysfunction in post-COVID patients with and witfhout neurological symptoms: a prospective multidomain observational study

et al. 2021

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The autonomic nervous system (ANS) can be affected by COVID-19, and dysautonomia may be a possible complication in post-COVID individuals. Orthostatic hypotension (OH) and postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS) have been suggested to be common after SARS-CoV-2 infection, but other components of ANS function may be also impaired. The Composite Autonomic Symptom Scale 31 (COMPASS-31) questionnaire is a simple and validated tool to assess dysautonomic symptoms. The aim of the present study was to administer the COMPASS-31 questionnaire to a sample of post-COVID patients with and without neurological complaints. Participants were recruited among the post-COVID ambulatory services for follow-up evaluation between 4 weeks and 9 months from COVID-19 symptoms onset. Participants were asked to complete the COMPASS-31 questionnaire referring to the period after COVID-19 disease. Heart rate and blood pressure were manually taken during an active stand test for OH and POTS diagnosis. One-hundred and eighty participants were included in the analysis (70.6% females, 51 ± 13 years), and OH was found in 13.8% of the subjects. Median COMPASS-31 score was 17.6 (6.9–31.4), with the most affected domains being orthostatic intolerance, sudomotor, gastrointestinal and pupillomotor dysfunction. A higher COMPASS-31 score was found in those with neurological symptoms (p < 0.01), due to more severe orthostatic intolerance symptoms (p < 0.01), although gastrointestinal (p < 0.01), urinary (p < 0.01), and pupillomotor (p < 0.01) domains were more represented in the non-neurological symptoms group. This study confirms the importance of monitoring ANS symptoms as a possible complication of COVID-19 disease that may persist in the post-acute period.

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“…However, the small sample size (30 individuals at the second follow-up visit) might not be adequate to draw definite conclusions concerning the real extent of this issue 88 . Additionally, less investigated factors might contribute to the worsening of sexual function in long COVID patients, such as anosmia and ageusia: both conditions can negatively affect sexual behavior, owing to the “emotional” involvement of smell and taste in arousal and intimacy 89 , and might persist for several months 28 , 29 , 89 , blunting sexual interest. However, more studies on this topic are needed.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Sexual Long COVID (SLC): Erectile Dysfunction as a Biomarker of Systemic Complications for COVID-19 Long Haulers

Sansone

Mollaioli

Limoncin

et al. 2022

Sexual Medicine Reviews

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Anosmia and ageusia: a piece of the puzzle in the etiology of COVID-19-related transitory erectile dysfunction

Cited by 20 publications

References 6 publications

The Association Between Sleep Disturbances and Erectile Dysfunction During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The Association Between Sleep Disturbances and Erectile Dysfunction During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Autonomic dysfunction in post-COVID patients with and witfhout neurological symptoms: a prospective multidomain observational study

The Sexual Long COVID (SLC): Erectile Dysfunction as a Biomarker of Systemic Complications for COVID-19 Long Haulers

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