How does post-Covid affect sexual activity?

Different degrees of influence on sperm

With the same viral cause, mumps can cause inflammation and atrophy of the testicles, so some men are also concerned about this risk when infected. SARS-CoV-2the virus that causes Covid-19.

Regarding the above concerns, Dr. Trinh Kien Cuong (Specialist in Andrology, Hanoi Hospital of Andrology and Infertility) specifically answered: “Men infected with SARS-CoV-2 will have symptoms of the disease. Some people have no symptoms, some people have many symptoms such as high fever, orchitis, shortness of breath, need to use antiviral drugs. Therefore, the degree of influence on sperm is also different.”

Regarding the mechanism of influence of Covid-19 on male reproduction, Dr. Cuong said SARS-CoV-2 penetrates the male reproductive system (specifically the testes) via the ACE 2 (ACE 2) and TMPRSS2 (transmembrane protease) receptors present on testicular tissues. Therefore, testicles may also be one of the organs attacked by SARS-CoV-2, creating an immune response of the body and causing symptoms of orchitis.

In Vietnam, with the wide coverage of vaccination against Covid-19, most infected men have mild symptoms and few cases of orchitis are recorded. “Unlike mumps, which can cause inflammation and even testicular atrophy (if testicular atrophy usually occurs in the first 3 months after mumps), with Covid-19, testicular atrophy has not been recorded,” said Dr. Cuong information.

Couples should pay attention to their bodies

With the question of some readers: “Is Covid-19 contagious when? sex?”, Dr. Cuong said: “As we all know, SARS-CoV-2 spreads through saliva during contact such as while talking, sneezing, coughing and can spread within about 2 m. All contact with an infected person within 2 meters can expose you to SARS-CoV-2 even if you have sex or not”.

The andrology expert also noted: In the latest studies, scientists have found SARS-CoV-2 in semen, but evidence for the spread of Covid-19 through sex. still need to be further evaluated by in-depth studies with larger sample sizes.

According to Dr. Trinh Kien Cuong: “With the benefits of sex for health, during the time when couples are infected with Covid-19, the relationship can also be considered depending on the health status of the two people.” In addition, couples should pay attention to their bodies.

If there are symptoms such as fatigue, loss of concentration, lethargy, decreased libido, sexual frigidity, poor erection…, change your lifestyle in a healthy way such as: don’t smoke, don’t drink alcohol, don’t use stimulants and addictive substances; practice sports regularly; increase the intake of fruits and fiber; Limit high-fat foods, fast foods, fried foods, fats, animal organs…