Are sex disparities in COVID-19 a predictable outcome of failing men's health provision?

Nat Rev Urol. 2022 Jan;19(1):47-63. doi: 10.1038/s41585-021-00535-4. Epub 2021 Nov 18.

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, has taken a catastrophic toll on society, health-care systems and the economy. Notably, COVID-19 has been shown to be associated with a higher mortality rate in men than in women. This disparity is likely to be a consequence of a failure to invest in men's health, as it has also been established that men have a lower life expectancy and poorer outcomes from non-communicable diseases than women. A variety of biological, social and economic factors have contributed to the sex disparities in mortality from COVID-19. A streamlined men's health programme - with the urologist as the gatekeeper of men's health - is needed to help prevent future tragedies of this nature.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19 / mortality*
  • COVID-19 / therapy*
  • Female
  • Healthcare Disparities*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Men's Health*
  • Sex Distribution
  • Treatment Outcome