Evaluating male sexual function and reproductive health during Omicron outbreak in China: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Our aim was to estimate changes in sexual function and semen quality in men recovering from infection since the Omicron pandemic started in China in late 2022. We collected 1540 questionnaires and assessed male function before infection and acute phase after infection by using International Index of Erectile Function-5, Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool, and Arizona Sexual Experience Scale. We also collected the before and after semen analysis results of 247 male patients. During the acute phase after infection, the proportion of erectile dysfunction was significantly higher than before infection, but ejaculatory function was not significantly altered； In addition, semen analysis showed significant difference in semen concentration, semen activity and PR a+b sperm forward movement after infection compared to pre-infection. Omicron can affect erectile function as well as sexual experience in male patients in the acute phase. The risk factors for decreased sexual function due to Omicron included body temperature and anxiety during infection.