Covid and potency
Researchers from the Miller School of Medicine at the University of Miami have demonstrated for the first time that the COVID-19 virus is detected in the tissues of the penis even after recovery. The virus is capable of causing endothelial dysfunction, leading to the development of severe erectile dysfunction.
Endothelial dysfunction is a condition in which the inner wall of small blood vessels cannot normally perform all its functions. As a result, the tissues fed by these vessels can be damaged. Previous studies have shown that coronavirus can cause endothelial dysfunction not only in the lungs and kidneys, but also in other organs. The authors decided to check whether it is able to influence the function of the penis in men who have had COVID-19. They conducted a pilot study and found that men who had not previously complained of potency developed severe erectile dysfunction after COVID-19.
Dr. Ranjit Ramasamy and his colleagues collected penile tissue samples from two men with a history of coronavirus infection. Both before COVID infection noted normal erectile function without the use of medications. One of them was hospitalized for COVID-19, the other patient had a mild course of the disease. The researchers also collected tissue samples from two men without a history of COVID-19. All tissue samples were tested not only for the presence of coronavirus, but also for endothelial dysfunction according to the level of endothelial nitric oxide synthetase (eNOS), a marker of endothelial dysfunction. The tissues were analyzed for the presence of viral RNA by polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
The authors found that the virus was present in the penile tissues of both men who were previously infected, but at the time of the study gave a negative result for COVID-19 in a PCR study. They had COVID-19 six and eight months ago, respectively. Immunohistochemical analysis showed a decrease in eNOS expression in the cavernous body of the samples of these patients compared to samples taken from men who did not have a history of COVID.
Coronavirus-like viral particles with spikes (marked with arrows) in the periconvascular erectile tissue; transmission electron microscopy.
Scientists suggest that, like other complications associated with COVID-19, widespread infection and subsequent endothelial dysfunction can lead to erectile dysfunction and that the deterioration of this condition may be associated with the preservation of the virus in the tissues of the penis.
In a previously published study, Dr. Ramasamy and his colleagues found that the coronavirus can also penetrate the testicular tissue of some men infected with the virus, which may be the first step in understanding the potential impact of the virus on male fertility and the likelihood of sexual transmission.
Despite the shortcomings of the study, including the small number of participants, the authors urge men who have had COVID-19 to keep in mind that erectile dysfunction can be an adverse effect of the virus, and to consult a doctor if symptoms of this condition appear.
Article E.Kresch et al. COVID-19 Endothelial Dysfunction Can Cause Erectile Dysfunction: Histopathological, Immunohistochemical, and Ultrastructural Study of the Human Penis published in the World Journal of Men's Health.
Aminat Adzhieva, portal "Eternal Youth" http://vechnayamolodost.ru according to EurekAlert: University of Miami researchers report COVID-19 found in penile tissue could contribute to ED.