Association of Prior COVID-19 Infection With Newly Diagnosed Erectile Dysfunction: Evaluation of 42,406 COVID-19 Recovered Men

Abstract We sought to assess if COVID-19 infection recovery is associated with increased rates of newly diagnosed erectile dysfuncton(ED). Using IBM MarketScan, a commercial claims database, men with prior COVID-19 infection were identified using ICD-10 diagnosis codes. Using this cohort along with an age-matched cohort of men without prior COVID-19 infection, we assessed the incidence of newly diagnosed erectile dysfuncton(ED). Covariates were assessed using a multivariable model to determine association of prior COIVD-19 infection with newly diagnosed ED. 42 406 men experienced a COVID-19 infection between January 2020 and January 2021 of which 610 (1.46%) developed new onset ED within 6.5 months follow up. On multivariable analysis while controlling for diabetes, cardiovascular disease, smoking, obesity, hypogonadism, thromboembolism, and GU malignancy, prior COVID-19 infection was associated with increased risk of new onset ED (HR 1.27; 95% CI 1.1-1.5; P=0.002). Prior to the widespread implementation of the COVID-19 vaccine, the incidence of newly diagnosed ED is higher in men with prior COVID-19 infection compared to age-matched controls. Prior COVID-19 infection was associated with a 27% increased likelihood of developing new-onset ED when compared to those without prior infection.