Long Covid & its Effects on Men’s Health

In the early months of 2020, the world was hit by a sudden outbreak of one of the most destructive diseases of mankind. The outburst of COVID-19 affected the lives of people in many ways. A few lucky ones took the pandemic to be a brief break from their hectic routines and focus on improving their physical and mental health, but most faced long-lasting health-related issues. In this article, we will understand the effects that Long Covid symptoms had on men’s health. 

The pandemic impacted everyone differently. It gave time to the privileged to think and reflect upon themselves. While looking at the other side of the coin, people were unprepared for the pandemic’s lethal consequences. They not only faced hardships, loss, and terror during the pandemic but were also mentally and physically affected. Many lost their loved ones during this period. Men, in particular, faced major issues during these times that are still unknown to the majority of people.

Long Covid

Long COVID, post-acute COVID-19, Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS CoV-2 infection (PASC), long-term effects of COVID, and chronic COVID are some of the popular terms that are used to describe post-COVID conditions.

The term is used to describe signs and symptoms that last for a few weeks or months after having a confirmed or suspected case of COVID-19.

Long Covid are the consequences of COVID-19 infection that some people who contracted the virus have experienced. Post-COVID conditions may include a variety of ongoing health issues that could last for weeks, months, or even years.

Symptoms 

Physical Health

Some people, particularly those who had severe COVID-19 illness, experienced multiple organ effects or autoimmune disorders that continued for weeks or months after the disease. Most of the organ systems, including the heart, lungs, kidneys, skin, and brain, could be affected by multiorgan effects. People who had COVID-19 started to develop new illnesses like diabetes, cardiac problems, or neurological conditions as a result of the virus’s effects. 

Mental Health

COVID-19 could have a significant psychological impact on men’s mental health. 

Based on the Interagency Gender Working Group’s Male Engagement Task Force research, 36.8%  of men indicated feelings of depression, and 33.8% experienced anxiety.  Furthermore, almost 44% expressed concern regarding food insecurity and 68% regarding household finances. 

For each indicator, the occurrence was significantly greater among younger men and dropped dramatically as they aged. Between 3 and 6 months after the onset of COVID-19-related symptoms, a sizable percentage of patients with proven COVID-19 had reported experiencing PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), anxiety, or depression as long covid symptoms. The rate of PTSD, anxiety, and depression symptoms were comparable between hospitalized and nonhospitalized patients.

Effects on Men’s Health

Apart from the recognized Long Covid symptoms and causes, some lesser-known but critical health-related issues could be seen in men.

Let us look at some of the effects that were caused on Men’s Health.

Physical Health

Constant fatigue, breathlessness, and loss of smell could be noted along with the significant Long Covid symptoms in men. However, some of the symptoms that were discovered after 12 weeks of COVID such as loss of hair and loss of libido were unexpected and less recognized. Heart failure, fever, intestinal bladder problems, erectile dysfunction, and limb inflammation were also seen among the other symptoms.

Sexual Health

According to research, Long Covid symptoms may lead to Erectile Dysfunction through multiple pathogenetic mechanisms and may require custom treatment. COVID-19 has been linked to a drop in the body’s levels of testosterone. Lower testosterone levels may even lead to Erectile Dysfunction, in addition to reduced energy, libido, and muscle mass. 

Erectile Dysfunction is usually a symptom of a larger problem. Men who have poor health are more likely to develop ED and have a severe reaction to COVID-19. Because the virus can cause a variety of health problems, general poor health is a cause for concern for both ED and other complications.

Mental Health

Along with feeling anxious and depressed during and after the pandemic, men could also feel psychological baggage because of the negligible sexual activity during severe times. Sexual activity is closely associated with men’s mental health. The stress and despair caused by the virus and pandemic can be linked to Erectile Dysfunction and poor mood.

Conclusion 

The global epidemic showed that the world was unprepared for dealing with this unknown virus. And how maintaining good immunity is important for all. Our lives can never be on the same level as they were before the pandemic. The pandemic had a mixed impact for various reasons on Men’s Health. Be it physical, social, or financial, men have to carry lots of burdens in life. Everybody is trying to cope with the loss that they went through and are now slowly starting to move forward with their lives. For more health-related information, follow sukham.life