COVID-19 can penetrate male organ, cause erectile dysfunction — study

MANILA, Philippines — A new study by the scientists at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine revealed that COVID-19 can be present in the penis tissue long after men recover from the virus.

The scientists said that the widespread blood vessel dysfunction that results from the COVID-19 infection could then contribute to erectile dysfunction. The study was published last May 7 at The World Journal of Men's Health.

"Our research shows that COVID-19 can cause widespread endothelial dysfunction in organ systems beyond the lungs and kidneys. The underlying endothelial dysfunction that happens because of COVID-19 can enter the endothelial cells and affect many organs, including the penis," said research author Ranjith Ramasamy, M.D., associate professor and director of the Miller School's Reproductive Urology Program. 

"In our pilot study, we found that men who previously did not complain of erectile dysfunction developed pretty severe erectile dysfunction after the onset of COVID-19 infection," he added. 

Dr. Ramasamy and his colleagues collected penile tissue from two men with a history of COVID-19. They also collected tissue from two other men with no history of the virus. The scientists found COVID-19 was present in the penile tissue of both men who have been infected but not in the men with no history of COVID-19. 

"This suggests that men who develop COVID-19 infection should be aware that erectile dysfunction could be an adverse effect of the virus, and they should go to a physician if they develop ED symptoms," Dr. Ramasamy said.