OREANDA-NEWS. American scientists have found that the coronavirus persists in the tissues of the penis for a long time after recovery from COVID-19, which can lead to erectile dysfunction. The results of the study are published in the World Journal of Men's Health.

One of the consequences of coronavirus infection is endothelial dysfunction - a condition in which the mucous membrane of small blood vessels is disturbed, as a result of which the tissues fed by these vessels cease to be properly supplied with blood and lose their function.

According to a study by researchers from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, blood vessel dysfunction resulting from coronavirus infection may contribute to the development of impotence in men who have had COVID-19.

First, the authors found that men who had not previously complained of potency problems developed quite serious erectile dysfunction after the onset of COVID-19. The scientists then collected samples of penile tissue from two men who had recovered from COVID-19: one of them was hospitalized, and the other had only mild symptoms.

As scientists expected, the coronavirus was present in the penile tissues of both men who were infected. These same patients had all the signs of endothelial disruption. Healthy men from the control group did not have either one or the other.

Dr. Ramasami said: "This suggests that men who develop COVID-19 infection should be aware that erectile dysfunction can be an adverse effect of the virus and should see a doctor if they develop symptoms."