A pharmacist has issued a warning about an under-the-radar symptom of hay fever that only affects men: erectile dysfunction. Abbas Kanani, superintendent pharmacist of Chemist Click, explained that the common symptoms of hay fever such as nasal congestion, sneezing, itchy eyes, and fatigue can make individuals feel generally unwell, which can subsequently reduce libido and sexual performance.
Kanani elaborated: “Nasal congestion, sneezing, itchy eyes, and fatigue can make people feel generally unwell, which can have a knock on effect with reducing libido and sexual performance. The body’s immune response may cause inflammation and constriction of blood vessels when you’re feeling under the weather.”
He added, “Inflammation can damage blood vessels and reduce blood flow to the penis and as a result, this can affect your ability to get or maintain an erection.”
To combat this, Kanani suggests incorporating anti-inflammatory foods into your diet to support good immune health and reduce inflammation. “Fatty fish, nuts and green leafy veggies all have excellent anti-inflammatory properties,” he advised.
Furthermore, nasal congestion can disrupt sleep, leading to fatigue and a decline in testosterone levels, both of which can impact erections. To mitigate this, Kanani recommends paying attention to sleep hygiene during the summer months, reports Yorkshire Live.
He suggested: “Create an allergy-free sleep environment by using air purifiers and shutting windows during high pollen times can greatly improve sleep quality.”
If you’re using antihistamines or decongestants to combat hay fever symptoms, you could be inadvertently increasing your risk of erectile dysfunction (ED), as some types can trigger the condition in certain men. Kanani warned: “First-generation antihistamines like diphenhydramine and decongestants that contain pseudoephedrine can cause side effects such as drowsiness, reduced libido and constrict blood vessels, which can contribute to erectile dysfunction. Although most men are unlikely to experience side effects, it is possible.”
He recommended “second-generation antihistamines such as loratadine and cetirizine, which tend to have fewer side effects related to drowsiness and sexual function.”
Allergies can also lead to spikes in cortisol levels, which can lower testosterone levels crucial for maintaining erectile function. Kanani advised: “Regular physical activity not only helps reduce stress levels but can also improve cardiovascular health and boost erectile function”.
A study discovered that 83% of allergic rhinitis sufferers reported their sexual activity was affected.
Symptoms of ED include:
- Not being able to get an erection before sexual intercourse
- Not always being able to keep an erection during sexual intercourse
- Low desire for sex
If you’re experiencing symptoms of ED, it’s important to consult your GP. Often, there’s an underlying cause, and addressing the issue may help reverse ED.
