Keywords
erectile function
L-arginine
How to Cite
Abstract
Abstract. One of the negative consequences of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has been the deterioration of erectile function in men. Sexually active people who suffered from COVID-19 noted a decrease in the frequency of sexual intercourse and sexual satisfaction at different periods after suffering from the underlying disease. At present, erectile dysfunction (ED) in men who have contracted COVID-19 is considered one of the frequent complications and a marker of endothelial dysfunction, and a prognostic factor for the development of cardiovascular diseases. Erectile dysfunction and COVID-19 have similar risk factors of pathological impact on the body, in particular disruption of the integrity of blood vessels, cytokine imbalance, cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, obesity, and psychological state.
The aim of the work was to study the effect of L-arginine use in men with ED, who suffered from COVID-19.
Material and methods. The study involved 21 men, average age 42.7±6.4 years, who suffered from COVID-19 and complained of erectile dysfunction. The patients were divided into 2 groups: group 1 – 9 men who were offered a treatment regimen of L-arginine 3.0 g 2 times a day and sildenafil 25 mg 1 time a day for 3 months; group 2 – 12 men who received 25 mg of sildenafil 1 time per day for 3 months.
Results. Erectile dysfunction in men who have contracted COVID-19 shown a deterioration of erectile function, decreased sexual desire, as well as a deterioration of orgasmic sensations during sexual intercourse. The use of L-arginine 6,0 g / day and sildenafil 25 mg daily for 3 months showed a significant improvement in the international index of erectile function.
Conclusion. The use of arginine can be considered as an effective method of influencing the pathophysiological components, which can improve the hemodynamics of the blood vessels of the penis and result in a positive effect on the effectiveness of ED treatment in general.
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