Skip to main content
Do you let allergies get in the way of a satisfying love life? If you answered “Yes”, you are not alone.
Researchers in the United States polled about 700 people to ask about sexual function, sleep, and fatigue. The study participants were in their 30’s and 40’s. About half of the respondents said they had allergic rhinitis. Those with allergic rhinitis were not taking treatments for their condition.
Researchers were surprised to find that 83% of the people with allergies said that their allergies affected their sex lives.
Even more surprising, 18% of the allergy sufferers said their condition nearly always got in the way of their having a satisfying sex life. “I was kind of surprised that it made that much of a difference,” said study author Dr. Michael Benninger, chairman of the Head and Neck Institute at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio.
If your allergies interfere with your sleep or cause you to have fatigue you might just be too tired to engage in sexual activity. If you cough all night or are unable to breathe freely, you will not sleep well and awake refreshed. While many people associated itchy, watery eyes and runny noses and coughing with allergies, few realize that fatigue is also a common symptom.
Whether the fatigue comes from interrupted sleep or is a result of the constant inflammation that occurs because of allergies; fatigue can be very real. If just getting through your necessary daily activities is a struggle you might not have the energy for a fulfilling sex life…or any sex life for that matter.
Your allergies might make you feel less than desirable to your partner.
Allergic shiners, those dark circles under the eyes, can make you feel like you look like the walking dead. Increased blood flow to the sinus area causes the darkening of the skin under the eyes.
In addition, allergies can affect your sense of smell. If your sense of smell has been dulled by allergies, you will not be able to pick up the pheromones emitted by your partner. These pheromones may be subtle but they are involved in your desire for sex.
On the other hand, it might be that you feel self-conscious about coughing or wheezing that is caused by physical activity. I think everyone would agree that having your nose drip on your partner would be embarrassing and a mood killer.
Having allergies does not have to kill your sex life. Getting your allergies under control will you get your life back under control. Just take a few proactive steps:
Avoid Exposure
If you are allergic to pets, remove them from the bedroom and close the door to keep them out of the room. Bathe furred pets monthly with pet shampoo specially formulated to remove pet allergen (such as Pet+). If this is not possible, apply a coat conditioner (such as Allerpet) weekly to achieve the same result.
If you are allergic to dust and dust mites, encase your mattress, box spring, and pillows with special zippered dust mite proof covers and wash sheets weekly in 140°F water. For additional ways on how to get rid of dust mites please read 5 Highly Effective Ways to Get Rid of Dust Mites
If you have seasonal allergies, invest in a nasal irrigator or neti pot. These use a sterile saline solution to rinse pollen and debris gently from the nasal and sinus passages reducing the amount of inhaled allergen that makes it into your body.
Assess Your Medication
Discuss your medications with your doctor. If you usually take antihistamine but it makes you drowsy, ask for a non-drowsy formula. If you find that Zyrtex does not work for you try Claritin or a nasal steroid like Nasonex.
Care for Your Immune System
Make sure to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. This is especially important if you take antihistamines as they can dry skin and membranes, making sexual encounters uncomfortable. Get adequate nutrition and supplement with vitamins if necessary. Exercise regularly and get plenty of sleep.
Do not be part of the 83%. Your loved one will thank you for it.
Wishing you the best of health
The Allergy Store