Long COVID sexual dysfunction among both genders: Evaluation of a cohort of COVID-19 recoverees - 15/10/23
Highlights |
• | Long COVID sexual dysfunction has been reported sporadically, and mostly in men. |
• | In this study of 391 individuals assessed in a multidisciplinary long COVID clinic, we found a high proportion of sexual dysfunction among 36% of men and 28% of women. |
• | Long COVID sexual dysfunction is associated with other long COVID symptoms, and presents differently in men and in women. |
Abstract |
Objectives |
We aimed to assess Long COVID sexual dysfunction among both sexes.
Patients and methods |
A 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.
Results |
All 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.
Conclusion |
Sexual 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.
Le texte complet de cet article est disponible en PDF.Keywords : Sexual dysfunction, Physiological, SARS-CoV-2
Plan
Vol 53 - N° 7
Article 104750- octobre 2023 Retour au numéroBienvenue sur EM-consulte, la référence des professionnels de santé.