Dr Ding added: “Long Covid [is] no joke.” The verified doctor (who has a blue tick on Twitter) explained: “Coronavirus can damage blood vessels [which can] then affect parts of the body the vessels supply.” Referencing anti-vaxxers, Dr Ding hopes raising awareness of this Covid complication would persuade “vaccine resistant men” to get the jab. Erectile dysfunction could become a “surrogate marker” for the pulmonary and cardiovascular health complications caused by Covid, the doctor suggested.
This is because ED can be a sign of an underlying health condition, such as diabetes.
High cholesterol and high blood pressure can also contribute to ED, which may require treatments with statins – a cholesterol-lowering medication.
“Healthy lifestyle changes can sometimes help erectile dysfunction,” added the NHS.
This may include:
- Losing weight if you’re overweight
- Stop smoking
- A healthy diet
- Exercise daily
- Reduce stress and anxiety.
“They work for most men and can be used if medicine is not suitable or does not work,” the NHS confirmed.
A vacuum pump isn’t always available on the NHS, but a doctor will be able to advise you on where to get one from.
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If ED isn’t related to your health, it could be a sign of emotional issues that need working through.
A key way to tell if it’s health related, or caused by your emotions, is to notice whether you get an erection when waking up in the morning.
If you’re able to get an erection while waking up in the morning, but not at any other time, it’s a sign that ED is connected to your emotions.
Counselling and cognitive behavioural therapy are available on the NHS, but there is usually a long waiting list.
If you have the resources, it may be worthwhile to pay to see a therapist privately.
Do make sure you choose a qualified practitioner who is registered with the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy.
Source: Daily Express
