Curated from: Sire – Men’s Health Clinic
In Singapore, the recent introduction of the bivalent COVID-19 vaccine adds another tool to our fight against the COVID-19 pan-en-demic.
You might wonder if this new vaccine, which has been approved for emergency use by the Health Sciences Authority (HSA), is safe and if there is a possible link between COVID-19 vaccines and erectile dysfunction (ED).
It started with Alpha, Delta, Omicron.. now Kraken and most recently, Arcturus? From simple Greek alphabets, the names of COVID-19 have been evolving into somewhat of a mythology.
Far from being a myth though, COVID-19 is still very much a reality. The waves of infections continue to happen and continue to change the way we live our lives.
Here at Sire, we stay on top of the latest research and advancements in men’s health to ensure our 10,000+ satisfied customers always receive the best care.
Sire is a leading medical clinic dedicated to providing specialised solutions for ED, PE, and fertility issues. Find out more here.
What is the link between COVID vaccines and erectile dysfunction (ED)?
People feel concerned at the possible side-effects.
Some of the most popular rumours surrounding the COVID-19 vaccine are that it can alter DNA, cause infertility, and yes, even cause ED.
There have been reports of ED occurring in individuals who have received COVID vaccines.
It is believed that the link between COVID vaccines and ED may be due to the body’s immune response to the vaccine. Vaccines work by stimulating the immune system to produce a response against a particular disease. In some cases, this immune response can cause inflammation and damage to blood vessels, leading to ED.
So… Can COVID vaccines really cause ED?
Several reports have suggested that COVID vaccines could cause ED in some men.
However, it is important to note that these reports are largely anecdotal and have NOT been substantiated by scientific studies.
COVID-19 vaccination is NOT associated with an increased risk of ED in published scientific studies.
In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has not found any evidence linking COVID-19 vaccination to ED.
The American Society for Reproductive Medicine also states that there is no evidence to suggest that COVID vaccines can affect fertility or pregnancy outcomes.
It is also important to note that the COVID vaccines have undergone rigorous testing and clinical trials to ensure their safety and efficacy.
The CDC and AUA also advises people not to delay or avoid getting the vaccine due to concerns about ED or other sexual side effects.
Understanding erectile dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction is a condition that affects men’s ability to achieve or maintain an erection. It can have a wide range of causes, including age, psychological factors, and underlying medical conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease.
In most cases, ED can be treated with medications, lifestyle changes, or medical procedures.
It is essential to consult with a doctor to determine the underlying cause of ED and the appropriate treatment options. At Sire, we offer 100% discreet consultation, speak to us today.
Although there is no evidence that links COVID-19 vaccinations to ED, COVID-19 infection has been associated to have a harmful impact on men’s health and erectile function.
Published studies suggest the association to be both a biological and psychological one.
Protecting our manhood by keeping UPdated with the vaccination programmes helps to keep them UP.
Wonder how you can protect yourself from common men’s health problems? Read how Sire can help you here.
Examining the new bivalent vaccine in Singapore
What is the bivalent COVID-19 vaccine?
There are currently two bivalent COVID-19 vaccines in Singapore offered by the Ministry of Health (MOH) – the bivalent Moderna/Spikevax and the bivalent Pfizer-BioNTech/Comirnaty.
Bivalent vaccines work by stimulating an immune response against two viruses.
Both bivalent COVID-19 vaccines target the Omicron variant in addition to the original COVID-19 virus. It can therefore provide better protection against newer COVID-19 variants.
The Omicron variant targeted by the bivalent Moderna/Spikevax is the BA.1 subvariant, while the bivalent Pfizer-BioNTech/Comirnaty vaccine targets the BA.4/5 subvariant.
There is currently no evidence that a specific bivalent vaccine is better than the other in terms of protection against future variants. As such, either can used as a booster vaccination.
Is the bivalent vaccine a safer option?
On 2 February 2023, the HSA released a safety update that adverse effects after the bivalent COVID-19 vaccines are rare.
Singaporeans have received more than 482,600 doses of the Moderna bivalent vaccine, while Singaporeans have received over 200,000 Pfizer-BioNTech bivalent vaccines.
HSA received an adverse event reporting rate of 0.012% for the Moderna bivalent vaccine and a smaller 0.005% for the Pfizer-BioNTech bivalent vaccine.
Bivalent vaccines have similar safety profiles to the original monovalent vaccines.
Like other COVID vaccines, the bivalent vaccine may cause some side effects, including fever, fatigue, and soreness at the injection site. However, there is no evidence to suggest that they can cause ED or any other serious side effects.
The HSA continues to stress that the benefits of vaccination outweigh the risk of COVID-19 infection. Vaccines remain safe for Singaporeans.
Worried about the harmful effect of COVID-19 infection on your sexual health? Sire’s in-house sex therapist answers all your burning questions – 100% discreet, at the comfort of your own home.
Are you UP-to-date with your vaccination status?
The COVID-19 situation continues to evolve, recent surges in Singapore continue to remind us that it is still lurking amongst us.
At Sire, we stand with the MOH and HSA that we stay updated with our COVID-19 vaccination status.
Updated COVID-19 vaccines like the bivalent vaccines are expected to offer broader immunity against circulating variants, while retaining critical protection against severe disease and death.
Keeping ourselves protected from the COVID-19 infection not only keeps us safe from the harmful impact the infection can have on our health but also protects the wider community.
According to MOH, the following people are recommended to receive a booster around 1 year after their last booster dose:
- People aged 60 years and above
- People who live in aged care facilities
- People are medically vulnerable and at higher risk of severe disease who are aged 12 years and above.
The update bivalent vaccines are recommended for this.
If you are aged 12 to 59 and are healthy, you are at a lower risk of severe disease. However, the MOH offers an additional booster dose around one year after your last dose if you are eligible and keen to enhance your protection.
Bivalent vaccines are available at Joint Testing and Vaccination Centres (JTVCs), clinics and polyclinics. Find the nearest one to you here.
Debunking the myths
Despite the lack of evidence supporting the rumours that COVID vaccines can cause ED, the myths continue to persist.
The rumours that COVID vaccines can cause ED are simply that – rumours.
There is no scientific evidence to support this claim, and the new bivalent vaccine recently introduced in Singapore is no exception.
While there may be some side effects associated with COVID vaccines, they are generally mild and temporary.
As a healthcare provider, we at Sire urge our readers to keep up-to-date with the latest COVID-19 vaccinations and guidelines issued to protect yourselves and your loved ones from the virus.
FAQ
Here we answer some common FAQs men might have about the bivalent COVID vaccines:
Q: Should men be concerned about getting the bivalent COVID vaccine?
A: There is currently no definitive evidence to suggest that COVID vaccines cause ED. Men should discuss any concerns they have with their healthcare provider.
Q: Can the COVID-19 vaccine cause erectile dysfunction?
A: No, there is currently no scientific evidence to suggest that the COVID-19 vaccine can cause erectile dysfunction.
Q: Is the new bivalent COVID-19 vaccine in Singapore linked to erectile dysfunction?
A: No evidence to suggest that the new bivalent COVID-19 vaccine in Singapore has links to erectile dysfunction.
Q: How common is erectile dysfunction and what are its causes?
A: Erectile dysfunction is a common condition that can affect men of all ages.
Do you know that almost one out of two Singaporean men report some form of erectile dysfunction?
Causes can include stress, cardiovascular disease, smoking, alcohol consumption, medications, and psychological factors.
Q: Does worrying about COVID-19 cause erectile dysfunction?
Yes it is possible, stress can contribute to erectile dysfunction. Read how COVID-19 has affected our mental health.
At Sire, we take a holistic approach to the treatment of erectile dysfunction. Our doctors work closely with an in-house sex therapist to bring you the best possible treatment – 100% discreet consultation, at the comfort of your own home.
Q: Is the bivalent vaccine safe for men’s sexual health?
A: Yes, the bivalent vaccine has a similar safety profile as the original monovalent vaccine.
Published studies have shown that COVID-19 vaccination does not affect male sexual functions including erectile function, orgasmic function, sexual desire, intercourse satisfaction and overall sexual satisfaction.
Q: What are the common side effects of the COVID-19 bivalent vaccine?
A: The most common side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine include pain and swelling at the injection site, fever, fatigue, headache, muscle aches, and chills. These side effects are usually mild and go away on their own within a few days.
Q: Does the COVID-19 bivalent vaccine increase the risk of stroke?
A: The Ministry of Health (MOH) reports that current data does not show an increased risk of stroke with both the updated Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech bivalent vaccines.
Q: Can I still contract and spread COVID-19 even after being vaccinated?
A: COVID-19 vaccines can prevent COVID-19 to a large degree. But you still can contract and spread the virus after vaccination. However, vaccinated individuals are less likely to experience severe symptoms or require hospitalisation if they do contract the virus.
Q: Is it safe to get the COVID-19 vaccine?
A: Yes, the COVID-19 vaccine is safe for most people. Clinical trials have shown that people generally tolerate the vaccine and it has few serious side effects. The benefits of you getting vaccinated far outweigh the risks of getting COVID-19.
Q: Can I have sex after COVID vaccination?
A: Yes, sex is not a strenuous activity (mostly!). Read our detailed answer here.
Q: What should men do if they experience ED after getting the COVID vaccine?
A: Men who experience ED after getting the COVID vaccine should speak with their healthcare provider. It is important to note that ED can have many different causes, and a thorough evaluation is necessary to determine the underlying cause.
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