Pizzol, DShin, J ITrott, MIlie, P-CIppoliti, SCarrie, A MGhayda, R ALozano, J M OMuyor, J MButler, LMcDermott, D TBarnett, YMarkovic, LGrabovac, IgorKoyanagi, ASoysal, PINARTully, M AVeronese, NSmith, L2021-09-252021-09-252021-09-24http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12645/29521Background: To date, no attempt has been made to collate literature on the relationship between the social environmental impact of COVID-19 and erectile dysfunction. The aim of this explorative review was to assess and compare the prevalence of erectile dysfunction (ED) in male healthcare workers and males during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A systematic review of major databases from inception to February 2021 was conducted. Prevalence data were extracted, and a random-effects meta-analysis was undertaken. Outcomes: The pooled prevalence of ED amongst healthcare workers working in COVID-19 specific environments, and non-healthcare during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results: Of 52 initial studies, six were included for the final analysis. The pooled prevalence of ED in healthcare workers working in a COVID-19 environment was 63.6% (95% CI 20.3-92.3%), and in non-healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic was 31.9% (95% CI 19.5-47.6%). Conclusion: The prevalence of ED in healthcare workers working in COVID-19 environments was higher than representative samples and is of concern. Sexual health (and by extension, overall health), should be a priority when considering ways to care for this population. Considering the social environmental impact of COVID-19 on sexual health and in particular on ED, it is important to provide adequate psychological support systems and to promote quality of life with particular attention to sexual health.info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccessCOVID-19Erectile dysfunctionPrevalenceSexual healthArticle10.1007/s40618-021-01679-134559402