The impact of COVID-19 vaccination on the sexual health of male healthcare professionals

Abstract

Introduction: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic negatively affected the mental and sexual health of individuals, especially healthcare professionals. In this study, we aimed to investigate the changes in anxiety and sexual activity of male healthcare professionals following vaccination.

Methodology: This prospective cross-sectional and descriptive online survey was conducted between July 1, 2021 and November 1, 2021, involving a total of 170 healthcare professionals. Socio-demographic characteristics, pre- and post-vaccination anxiety and sexual activity levels of the participants were compared.

Results: There was a significant increase in only the intercourse times of the participants post vaccination (p = 0.034). The Beck anxiety inventory score decreased from median: 19 (minimum (min): 16, maximum (max): 47) before vaccination to median: 17, (min: 10, max: 43) after vaccination (p < 0.001). Likewise, Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale (ASEX) scores decreased after vaccination (median: 10, min: 5, max: 20) compared to before vaccination (median: 12, min: 5, max: 18) (p < 0.001). International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) score also increased after vaccination (25.49 ± 6.50) compared to before vaccination (24.71 ± 7.10) (p < 0.001). Orgasmic function, sexual desire, intercourse satisfaction and overall satisfaction scores also improved (p = 0.013, p < 0.001, p = 0.027, p < 0.001).

Conclusions: Mental and sexual disorders increased with the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to immunity, the vaccine also had positive effects on anxiety and sexual activity.

Keywords: COVID-19; sexual dysfunction; sexual function; sexuality; vaccine.