Q. Can COVID-19 infection cause erectile dysfunction and numbness in the penis?
Hi doctor,
I am a 21-year-old male. I am healthy. I play sports regularly and have a healthy diet. I had COVID two months back, and my genitals have felt numb ever since. I have no sensation to touch and little pleasure when stimulated. At first, I could not even have an erection now. I can get one, but only after a lot of stimulation, and it does not last very long if I stop stimulating. Before COVID, I had never had any issues of this kind. I have talked to a urologist before, and they did not quite know what the problem was, and they prescribed tablet Cialis. I am addressing a neurologist because I believe this is related to the nervous system, and maybe you have more knowledge of this than a urologist.
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
1. So far, I have not heard of erectile dysfunction following COVID. However, I will do some research. However, the fact remains that erectile dysfunction can be due to psychological problems, neurological problems, or vascular problems. The vascular problem is related to atherosclerosis and decreased blood supply occurring mainly with atherosclerosis and diabetes. COVID can cause blood vessel changes. Again impotence due to COVID is a long shot.
2. Selective nerve damage due to COVID involved in erectile dysfunction is again not likely to happen. I have not come across any patient with such, but I will do some research on this. The numb feeling points out to certain nerve compression. Pudendal nerve compression can cause this symptom. At times pudendal nerve may not be causing severe pain but can cause erectile dysfunction. The pudendal nerve can be damaged due to compression in a canal and also because of compression due to activities like cycling excessively or any other activity causing compression of the nerve.
Please mention the physical activity or exercises you are doing to come to a better conclusion.
Thank you.
Hello doctor,
Thank you for your answer.
I play football and surf. However, I researched and found some articles that said COVID could affect the nervous system. I think that is what happened, but I am not sure. I am not an expert. If it's not COVID, what can be the cause? It's very strange that I never had any issues of this type before, and as soon as I got COVID, this started. If the nerve is compressed, how can I decompress it? Because this has been going on for two months now.
Also, I did blood and urine tests and an ultrasound of the testicles one month ago, and everything was normal.
Hi,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
The time relation between erectile dysfunction and COVID is suggestive of COVID causing this issue. Both surfing and football are not likely to compress any nerve. Most likely, the endothelial dysfunction due to COVID is the cause. As there is mild recovery, I feel that with time, it will improve.
Hi doctor,
What do you believe the numb feeling is caused by? Are there any methods to speed up recovery? My local doctor gave me a vitamin B supplement to take every day as he says it's good for the nerves; however, I still have not felt any better since I started taking them two weeks ago.
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
Unfortunately, other than the numb feeling erectile dysfunction problem fits in with the dysfunction due to COVID affecting the endothelial system. Hopefully, the damage induced by inflammation due to COVID should recover on its own. The good part is you are young, and some improvement is there. It may take time, but it will improve.
No particular medicine has been used; you can try Tablet Aspirin 300 mg once a day. Consult with a specialist doctor, talk with him or her, and take medicine with their consent. But yes, I am hopeful you will be back to normal with time.
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