After recovering from Covid-19, I completely reduced my sexual desire with my boyfriend, often falling into a state of depression and anxiety. Is this a continuation of Covid-19? (Male, 27 years).
Answer:
According to worldwide research, post-Covid-19 decreased libido is a common problem in men. When the virus enters the body, the virus will attack the ACE2 receptor located on the cell membrane, thereby attacking cells in the human body. These receptors are abundant in the lining of the mouth, lungs, heart, other organs including sex organs, ovaries, endometrium in women, and testes in men.
When the virus attacks the testicles, the testicular cells are damaged, causing the synthesis of male hormone (testosterone) and sperm to be affected, thereby causing the level of testosterone in the blood to decrease. In addition, prolonged treatment and isolation when infected with Covid-19 causes psychological stress, causing the male body to increase its secretion of the hormone cortisol – which leads to decreased levels of testosterone and nitric oxide. The decrease in the concentration of this substance causes men to lose interest in sex.
In addition to attacking the respiratory tract, the virus also disrupts the endothelium, causing an inflammatory response that damages the integrity of the vascular endothelium, increases permeability, activates coagulation, and damages the microvasculature. Decreased blood vessel function causes erectile dysfunction. Even in asymptomatic cases of Covid-19, microvascular damage still occurs. Therefore, erectile dysfunction can be seen even at mild F0.
In addition, after recovering from Covid-19, general health sequelae such as fatigue, insomnia, loss of appetite, memory impairment… also reduce sex drive.
Your condition is most likely caused by the sequelae of Covid-19. To be sure, it’s best to go to a male specialist facility early for examination and treatment, avoiding the fear of worsening the disease.
Some of the following things you can do yourself at home to improve your physical health in general and sexual health in particular, such as: light exercise every day, the intensity according to your condition, health; Drink lots of water, eat more green vegetables and fresh fruits. Supplement your diet with red meat, seafood, eggs, milk, bean sprouts… In addition, you should minimize or not use tobacco, alcohol, stimulants; Sleep on time, avoid staying up late, make sure to sleep 6-8 hours a day.
Doctor Nguyen Trong Hoang Hiep
Andrology Specialist, Hanoi Hospital of Andrology and Infertility
at Blogtuan.info – Source: vnexpress.net – Read the original article here
