“It’s mostly a women’s issue.”
You may have heard this said about Long COVID. And statistically, it’s not entirely wrong studies consistently show that women are more likely to report persistent symptoms after an initial COVID-19 infection.
But that doesn’t mean men are unaffected. In fact, men experience Long COVID in distinct and sometimes under recognised ways. While the broader conversation often centres on female patients, many men across the UK are struggling with serious, lasting effects from COVID-19 in silence.
What the Research Says About Long COVID in Men
When it comes to Long COVID gender differences, the data paints a complex picture:
- Women tend to report higher rates of Long COVID, particularly symptoms like fatigue, immune dysregulation, and cognitive fog.
- Men, however, face a greater risk of severe acute COVID with higher hospitalisation and mortality rates.
- Emerging studies suggest that men may be under-reporting Long COVID symptoms. This could stem from cultural expectations, stigma, or simply reduced access to appropriate follow-up care.
A UK-based study published in Nature Communications (2022) found that while women were more likely to experience multisystem Long COVID symptoms, men were more likely to develop cardiovascular complications post-infection an outcome that may have long-term implications for health and longevity.
This means that men are not just “less likely” to get Long COVID they’re experiencing a different version of it. And that version often remains invisible.
The Silent Struggle: Why Men Don’t Talk About Long COVID
One of the most significant barriers men face isn’t biological, it’s cultural.
Men are statistically less likely to seek help for chronic illness. Combine that with the confusing, fluctuating nature of Long COVID symptoms, and many men are left feeling disbelieved, dismissed, or ashamed.
Common experiences among men with Long COVID include:
- Feeling like they’re “lazy” or “failing”
- Avoiding GP appointments due to stigma
- Losing the ability to work full-time, leading to identity loss and financial stress
- Struggling with mood changes but not seeking mental health support
For men who previously found identity in physical strength, work productivity, or being a dependable provider, Long COVID can strike at the core of how they see themselves.
Biological Impacts of Long COVID in Men
Recent research has started to shed light on some of the sex-specific biological responses to COVID-19 and its long-term effects. Key areas of concern for men include:
Hormonal Changes
Several studies, including one published in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism (2021), report a drop in testosterone levels post-COVID. This may contribute to low energy, poor sleep, reduced libido, and depressive symptoms.
Cardiovascular Effects
Men with Long COVID frequently report heart palpitations, postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS), or myocarditis. These conditions can appear even after mild cases of COVID and may go undiagnosed if men don’t report symptoms.
Cognitive Impairments
“Brain fog” is not just a buzzword — it refers to measurable deficits in memory, focus, and executive function. These symptoms can severely impact performance at work and overall quality of life.
Reduced Exercise Tolerance
Many men with Long COVID push through symptoms, unaware of pacing techniques. Overexertion can trigger post-exertional malaise (PEM), a hallmark symptom also seen in ME/CFS, which worsens fatigue and recovery time.
Mental Health and Male Long COVID Patients
While physical symptoms are increasingly recognised, the mental health toll of Long COVID in men remains under-discussed.
Common psychological challenges include:
- Depression and anxiety
- Post-traumatic stress, especially in those hospitalised during the acute phase
- Isolation and shame, particularly when others don’t believe their symptoms
- Burnout, stemming from reduced functioning and unrelenting fatigue
A 2023 survey by the UK’s Office for National Statistics (ONS) found that men with Long COVID were significantly less likely than women to access mental health support despite reporting similar or higher levels of distress.
This disparity matters. Left untreated, mental health conditions can compound physical symptoms and delay recovery.
What Men With Long COVID Need to Know
If you’re a man living with Long COVID, you might be feeling frustrated, lost, or even invisible in the current narrative. Here’s what you need to hear:
- You are not imagining it
- You are not weak
- You deserve access to appropriate medical care
- Your symptoms are real and measurable
- You are not alone
Practical Steps for Male Long COVID Patients
Recovery is not linear but support and strategies can help to make a difference. Here are evidence-based tips:
- Log your symptoms: Use a tracker or app to detect patterns and triggers.
- Speak to your GP: Request a referral to a specialist Long COVID clinic in your area.
- Pace yourself: Learn about energy management to prevent relapses.
- Join a support group: Whether online or local, connection reduces isolation.
- Talk to your employer: Ask about flexible hours or phased return-to-work options.
- Challenge stigma: Sharing your story helps normalise the male Long COVID experience.
Final Thoughts
Long COVID in men is real, under acknowledged, and too often misinterpreted. It doesn’t just damage lungs or hearts it undermines identity, autonomy, and emotional wellbeing.
It’s time we include men fully in the Long COVID conversation. That means investing in male-specific research, tackling stigma, and making healthcare services more responsive to the nuanced ways this condition presents across genders.
Long Covid Journey 