Shock impact hay fever has on your sex life revealed in major study
HAY fever stuffs up your sex life, according to a study.
The allergy, affecting millions of Britons, has been linked to lower sexual satisfaction and a higher risk of bedroom troubles.
It was said to make sufferers more tired and worsen their mental health, knocking their sex drive.
Researcher Professor Li Zhao said: “Both male and female allergic rhinitis patients face an increased risk of sexual dysfunction.
“Nasal congestion and distorted sense of smell were found to have the most profound effects.”
The findings are from a study in China, involving 1,034 sufferers and 422 people spared the annual onset of sneezing, snuffling and itchy eyes.
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The patients, aged 23 to 45, were asked about their allergy and their sex lives.
As well as snot being romantically off-putting, it suggested reduced oxygen intake and long-term swelling in blood vessels probably played a part in erectile dysfunction.
Previous studies have found that a sharper sense of smell is linked to a better sex life — but Prof Zhao suggested hay fever deadened it.
She wrote: “Female patients showed notable declines in arousal, orgasmic function, and intercourse satisfaction.
“In male patients, erectile function, sexual desire, and overall satisfaction were markedly lower.
“These findings underscore the need for treatment that addresses not only the respiratory effects but also its broader impact on quality of life.”
The arrival of sunny weather this week is likely to set noses running for sufferers.
Sales of medications are already reportedly surging while University of Worcester experts predict 2025 will be bad as it is the high point in the two-year pollen cycle.
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