Contracting the COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) can lead to erectile dysfunction in men.
From the abstract of the paper titled “Addressing male sexual and reproductive health in the wake of COVID-19 outbreak” from the National Institutes of Health (NIH):
Despite being a trivial matter for patients in intensive care units (ICUs), erectile dysfunction (ED) is a likely consequence of COVID-19 for survivors, and considering the high transmissibility of the infection and the higher contagion rates among elderly men, a worrying phenomenon for a large part of affected patients.
The following quote is from the conclusion in that same paper:
COVID-19 survivors might develop sexual and reproductive health issues. Andrological assessment and tailored treatments should be considered in the follow-up.
A second paper for the NIH titled “The Epidemic of COVID-19-Related Erectile Dysfunction: A Scoping Review and Health Care Perspective” concluded:
COVID-19 has a uniquely harmful impact on men’s health and erectile function through biological, mental health, and healthcare access mechanisms. As the pandemic wanes, strategies to identify long-term effects and additional health care support may be needed to adequately mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on men’s health.
There is good news! Getting vaccinated for COVID-19 is free and will significantly decrease the likelihood of catching COVID-19 in the first place. There are a ton of ways to find a vaccine in your area. This link will take you to the CDC’s page on finding a vaccine.
Don’t take my word for it. Read more for yourself.
NIH paper: Addressing male sexual and reproductive health in the wake of COVID-19 outbreak
NIH paper: The Epidemic of COVID-19-Related Erectile Dysfunction: A Scoping Review and Health Care Perspective
National Geographic: COVID-19 may impair men’s sexual performance
The Cleveland Clinic: Yes, COVID-19 Can Cause Erectile Dysfunction