Hair loss and sexual dysfunction have been revealed to be symptoms of long Covid, according to new research published in the British Medical Journal in recent weeks. Long Covid has a much more extensive list of symptoms than originally thought, a survey has discovered.
The survey analysed the health records of over 500,000 people who had been infected with Covid to unearth common symptoms of long Covid. Among the symptoms were three male-specific symptoms - hair loss, reduced libido and difficulty ejaculating.
These symptoms could be impacting men’s confidence and their sex lives, warns one GP. The findings come as Google searches asking ‘does Covid cause erectile dysfunction’ have skyrocketed since the research was published at the end of July.
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Why this doctor is worried - as the symptoms affect men's confidence
The three complaints are particularly concerning to Dr Sameer Sanghvi, Practising GP and Clinical Technology Lead at LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor. “I’m worried three male-specific symptoms - hair loss, reduced libido and difficulty ejaculating - may have a negative effect on men’s self esteem,” said Dr Sanghvi.
“In my experience as a doctor, these symptoms can all impact men’s confidence and, thus, their sex lives.”
Dr Sanghvi says Google search data supports the idea that this is something men are searching for advice about:
“Since this research came out, interest in the link between long Covid and these symptoms has skyrocketed. Google search volumes show queries asking ‘does Covid cause erectile dysfunction’ were up 650 per cent week on week, while searches for ‘long Covid hair loss’ increased by 130 per cent. In my view, this is evidence that this is something men are really concerned about.”
The symptoms - and what this GP says you can do about them
The advice is to ‘not suffer in silence’ if you are suffering any of these symptoms, says the GP: “If you have had Covid and have started to notice unusual symptoms such as hair loss or any form of sexual dysfunction, don’t suffer in silence. Book an appointment with a doctor and talk to them about your symptoms.”
Hair loss
“In my experience, hair loss can have a massive impact on men’s self esteem so it’s important not to ignore this symptom of long Covid,” says Dr Sanghvi. “An appointment with your GP is probably the best option. They may decide to conduct tests in order to find the best treatment option.
“Don’t be too concerned though. Hair loss caused by fever, illness or stress tends to grow back, given time.”
Low libido
“If a low libido is your concern, it’s best to discuss treatment options with your doctor because treatment usually depends on the cause,” according to the doctor.
“A great place to start is by looking after your mental health and ensuring you’re getting enough sleep and exercise, and are eating healthily. I’d also encourage taking the time to have open discussions with your partner about your emotional needs.”
Difficulty ejaculating
Dr Sanghvi adds: “When it comes to erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation tends to get the most attention. But this research has found delayed ejaculation to be an issue for men with long Covid. This is when men have difficulty ejaculating or fail to ejaculate, even when stimulated.
“Treatment varies depending on the underlying cause, so the starting point should be a discussion with your GP.”
To find out more, visit the LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor advice page here.
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