Abstract and Introduction
Abstract
Purpose of Review: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to devastating health outcomes across the world. Initially thought to primarily affect the respiratory system, there is now clear and abundant evidence that COVID-19 can impact upon the male genitourinary system and overall men's health. In this review article, we explore the potential mechanisms by which COVID-19 specifically affects men and we review the literature examining the adverse effects of the disease on men's health
Recent Findings: Studies suggest that men are at higher risk for severe COVID-19 infection and death. COVID-19 infection has a negative impact on men's health including worsening semen parameters, potentially lower testosterone levels, and an increased risk of erectile dysfunction.
Summary: COVID-19 is a highly pathogenic virus that exerts adverse effects upon the male genitourinary system in myriad ways. The COVID-19 infection can impact serum testosterone, fertility, sexual function, and mental health. Fortunately, the COVID-19 vaccine is safe and effective in preventing COVID-19 infection and many of these sequelae.
Introduction
After the first case of COVID-19 was identified in December 2019, this virulent pathogen spread rapidly and globally, resulting in the World Health Organization declaration of a global pandemic in March 2020.[1,2] The COVID-19 pandemic has led to devastating health outcomes across the world, infecting almost 250 million people and resulting in over 5 million deaths.[3] Although COVID-19 was initially thought to primarily affect the respiratory system, there is now clear and abundant evidence that the virus can cause a wide range of pathology across multiple organ systems including the gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, hematological, and nervous systems.[4]
Since the onset of the pandemic, a growing body of evidence has examined the impact of COVID-19 upon the male genitourinary system and overall men's health. The mechanisms for these effects have not been fully elucidated but likely result from both broad (e.g. inflammatory response) and specific (e.g. androgen-dependent) pathways. As COVID-19 continues to infect men worldwide, it is imperative that we understand the adverse effects of the COVID-19 virus on men's health and how men may have less favorable health outcomes when infected. In this review article, we explore the potential mechanisms by which COVID-19 specifically effects men and we review the literature examining the adverse effects of the disease on men's health.
Curr Opin Urol. 2022;32(2):146-151. © 2022 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.
