Does Long COVID Also Affect the Genitourinary System?
The aftereffects of Long COVID are now well known to affect the lungs, heart, and brain. However, one aspect remains often overlooked: genitourinary disorders. A recent analysis reveals that nearly one in two people suffering from Long COVID experience menstrual cycle disruptions. Men are not spared, with one in five cases of impotence. As for the kidneys, their function deteriorates in almost one-third of affected patients.
These figures come from a synthesis of nine studies conducted in eight countries, involving more than 2,300 participants. Women are particularly affected by irregular, heavier, or more painful periods. These disorders could be explained by disruption of the hormonal axis or persistent inflammation following infection. In men, erectile difficulties could be linked to vascular damage or an imbalance in the autonomic nervous system, which regulates involuntary bodily functions such as circulation.
The kidneys, meanwhile, appear to suffer the consequences of prolonged inflammation or micro-injuries caused by the virus. Some patients also develop symptoms suggestive of cystitis, such as frequent and urgent urination or a burning sensation. These issues, though less publicized, significantly impair quality of life. They can lead to daily discomfort, sleep disorders, or even social isolation.
The severity of the initial infection plays a key role. Moderate to severe cases of COVID-19 particularly increase the risk of menstrual disruptions. On the other hand, erectile dysfunction or decreased kidney function appear regardless of the initial symptom severity. This suggests distinct mechanisms, possibly related to chronic inflammation or persistent microvascular damage.
These findings highlight the importance of including the genitourinary system in the follow-up of patients with Long COVID. Tailored care, involving urologists, gynecologists, and nephrologists, could improve their daily lives. Researchers are calling for further investigations to better understand these links and refine therapeutic strategies. Recognizing these symptoms as a full-fledged component of Long COVID would help avoid diagnostic errors and provide more targeted solutions.
Bibliographie
Source de l’étude
DOI : https://doi.org/10.1007/s11255-026-05073-9
Titre : Unveiling the genitourinary phenotype of long COVID: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Revue : International Urology and Nephrology
Éditeur : Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Auteurs : Daniel Peñaherrera-Vásquez; Alison Reina; Felipe Merlo; Thalía Fajardo-Loaiza; Gabriela Zambrano-Sánchez; Josue Rivadeneira; Luis Fuenmayor-González