posted on 2023-08-30, 19:04authored byDamiano Pizzol, Jae Il Shin, Mike Trott, Petre-Cristian Ilie, Simona Ippoliti, Anne Carrie, Ramy A. Ghayda, Jose M. O. Lozano, Jose M. Muyor, Laurie T. Butler, Daragh T. McDermott, Yvonne A. Barnett, Lovro Markovic, Igor Grabovac, Ai Koyanagi, Pinar Soysal, Mark A. Tully, Nicola Veronese, Lee Smith
Background-
To date, no attempt has been made to collate literature on the relationship between the social environmental impact of COVID-19 and erectile dysfunction. The aim of this explorative review was to assess and compare the prevalence of erectile dysfunction (ED) in male healthcare workers and males during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methods-
A systematic review of major databases from inception to February 2021 was conducted. Prevalence data were extracted, and a random-effects meta-analysis was undertaken.
Outcomes-
The pooled prevalence of ED amongst healthcare workers working in COVID-19 specific environments, and non-healthcare during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Results-
Of 52 initial studies, six were included for the final analysis. The pooled prevalence of ED in healthcare workers working in a COVID-19 environment was 63.6% (95% CI 20.3–92.3%), and in non-healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic was 31.9% (95% CI 19.5–47.6%).
Conclusion-
The prevalence of ED in healthcare workers working in COVID-19 environments was higher than representative samples and is of concern. Sexual health (and by extension, overall health), should be a priority when considering ways to care for this population. Considering the social environmental impact of COVID-19 on sexual health and in particular on ED, it is important to provide adequate psychological support systems and to promote quality of life with particular attention to sexual health.