The Impact of Anosmia on Intimacy: A Linear Mixed-Effects Model Analysis of Sexual Wellbeing Following COVID-19

TL;DR

This study shows that losing the sense of smell due to COVID-19 can negatively affect sexual experiences, especially the intensity of orgasms over time.

Contribution

The study introduces a novel analysis of how anosmia from COVID-19 affects sexual wellbeing using a linear mixed-effects model.

Findings

Participants without anosmia improved orgasmic intensity post-COVID-19, while those with anosmia experienced a decline.

Anosmia was not a direct predictor of orgasmic intensity but influenced its evolution over time.

The absence of smell may have a long-term negative impact on core sexual experiences like orgasm intensity.

Abstract

Olfaction is thought to have a role in intimate relationships and sexuality, despite the major roles that other senses, like sight, might have for human beings. Moreover, one of the specific symptoms of the COVID-19 infection, a disease largely impacting human sexuality at various levels, has been the absence of smell. This study aimed to examine the impact of olfaction on partner selection and on different phases of sexual response. Moreover, we evaluated whether the absence of smell could influence aspects of sexual function, such as orgasmic intensity, by comparing subjects with and without COVID-19 olfactory dysfunction. A group of 259 participants has been initially enrolled through social media. Of the 138 sexually active subjects included in the final analysis, 61 (44.2%) reported olfactory dysfunction (anosmia group) and 77 (55.8%) did not (no-anosmia group). Perceived orgasmic intensity was evaluated retrospectively at two time points—during the COVID-19 infection and in the four weeks preceding the evaluation—using the male and female versions of the Orgasmometer. The results revealed a significant interaction between time and olfactory condition, indicating opposite recovery trajectories. Participants without anosmia showed a significant improvement in orgasmic intensity post-COVID-19 infection; in contrast, the anosmia group reported a significant decline over the same period. Although the presence of anosmia was not a direct predictor of orgasmic intensity per se, it critically determined the orgasmic intensity evolution over time. These findings suggest that, beyond its perceived importance, the actual absence of olfaction may have a specific and negative long-term impact on core components of the sexual experience, such as the intensity of orgasm.

Figures