Effect of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic on the Sexual Functions of Healthcare Providers

IntroductionThe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) impacted both sexes. The close physical proximity between sexual partners during intercourse might impact the spread of the virus between them. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the sexual functions of the healthcare providers working in the isolation units of the hospitals.MethodsThis cross-sectional survey was conducted from December 2022 to February 2023 on 200 healthcare providers working in the isolation units of the hospitals dealing with COVID-19 cases, with a mean age of 39.7 +/- 6.895 years, the tool used was an online questionnaire written in English and translated into Arabic.ResultsStatistically substantial variation existed among the participants prior to and after COVID regarding masturbation frequency for males per week (P = 0.018). Regarding the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), a statistically substantial variation existed among the participants before and after COVID regarding the mean IIEF domain scores of the male participants. A statistically substantial variation existed among the participants before and after COVID regarding the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) domain scores of the female participants (P = 0.0183).ConclusionsA significant decline in the frequencies of foreplay, sexual intercourse, and sexual pleasure among the Egyptian healthcare providers who are directly involved in the treatment of COVID-19 cases.Policy ImplicationsPeople with a history of COVID-19 should be sexually treated to enhance foreplay, sexual intercourse, and sexual pleasure, as COVID-19 declines their frequency.