Long COVID sexual dysfunction among both genders: Evaluation of a cohort of COVID-19 recoverees

Abstract

ObjectivesWe aimed to assess Long COVID sexual dysfunction among both sexes. Patients and methodsA cross-sectional study at a multidisciplinary COVID clinic. Consecutive patients answered a symptom-based questionnaire, which included sexual dysfunction. Individuals reporting any degree of sexual dysfunction were compared with those who denied. A multivariable logistic regression was conducted to identify risk factors. A principal component analysis was implemented to explore other symptoms associated with sexual dysfunction. ResultsAll in all, 391 individuals recovering from COVID-19 completed the questionnaire, 211 women and 180 men. Mean age was 45.2 (SD 15.4) years. Most (280, 85.9%) had mild COVID-19, assessed at a median of 3.8 (IQR 2.0) months from diagnosis. Sexual dysfunction was reported by 55 (36%) of the men and 48 (28%) of the women. Increased age [per year; men OR 1.05 (95% CI 1.02–1.08)], long COVID cough [men 2.58 (1.05–6.32)], chest pain [women 3.54 (1.28–9.80)], irritability [women 3.45 (1.28–9.29)], paresthesia [men 4.23 (1.55–10.44); women 3.08 (1.14–8.32)], and emotional distress [men 3.26 (1.36–7.82); women 4.29 (1.65–11.18)] were significantly associated with sexual dysfunction. In women, sexual dysfunction was part of the emotional pattern, while among men, it was part of the emotional and pulmonary patterns. ConclusionSexual dysfunction is a common manifestation of long COVID in both men and women. Presence of other long COVID symptoms, and older age, are associated with this phenomenon. Further studies should explore the mechanisms for long COVID sexual dysfunction in both men and women, as well as strategies for prevention and treatment.