Research published within the Journal of Internal Medicine indicates that SARS-CoV-2 infection may worsen lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in men.

The study included 17,986 men receiving medication for LUTS throughout the public healthcare system of Hong Kong in 2021–2022, half of whom had SARS-CoV-2 infection. The group with SARS-CoV-2 had significantly higher rates of retention of urine (4.55% versus 0.86%); blood within the urine (1.36% versus 0.41%); clinical urinary tract infection (4.31% versus 1.49%); bacteria within the urine (9.02% versus 1.97%); and addition of 5-alpha reductase inhibitors, that are drugs prescribed for enlarged prostate. (0.50% versus 0.02%). These urological manifestations occurred no matter COVID-19 severity.

The findings might relate to the presence of certain proteins targeted by SARS-CoV-2 which are known to be expressed within the prostate.

We’re excited to be the primary to report the results of COVID-19 on complications of benign prostatic hyperplasia-;or enlarged prostate-;and in addition exhibit the alarming extent of its urological effects.” 

Alex Qinyang Liu, MD, corresponding writer, Prince of Wales Hospital, Hong Kong