This theme came up from some research earlier as well, when Covid 19 was at its most destructive.

Now the focus has shifted to various issues that constitute ‘long Covid.’ A study by the University of Birmingham, published in the journal Nature Medicine outlines 62 symptoms that are seen in some people 12 weeks or more after the infection.

Two of these 62 go directly to men’s sexual wellness. One, lower libido and the other, ejaculation difficulty.

Dr Sanjay Kumavat, a psychiatrist and sexologist practising at Fortis inn Mumbai reckons that this is due to reduced levels of testosterone.

Various mental health professionals have pointed out that the stress that was experienced widely due to the pandemic, might also be contributing.

In any case the role of testosterone can not be isolated from stress as the two are related.

In the Ageing Male Symptoms questionnaire, the experience of greater stress is seen as one of the signs of a drop in testosterone. This questionnaire is a useful way for men in their 40s to anyway evaluate their ageing experience.

The implications of long Covid will obviously continue to be researched over the next few months, but thinking about testosterone is a good starting point for men to age better instead of going through irritability, loss of strength, loss of libido etc which is frustrating not only for them but also for those around.