The UK is basking in unusually warm and sunny spring weather, which is very welcome for many of us. However, red warnings for extremely high pollen counts have been issued for some regions of England as we hit peak tree pollen season. This can make life tough for the thousands of people who suffer from hay fever and allergies.
Levels of pollen are extra high this year, which may be due to the warm June weather in some parts of the country last year, which made ideal pollen producing conditions for this year’s tree buds. The effects of hay fever include a runny nose, sneezing and itchy eyes, but it can also have another unwanted effect for men: erectile dysfunction (ED).
This may be surprising news if you’ve never made the connection before, but it could set you on the path to resolving unexplained difficulties in the bedroom at this time of year. For example, provided other underlying causes have been addressed or ruled out, a Viagra subscription could help you to overcome seasonal ED.
However, here are some potential causes of hay fever related ED to consider before embarking on a course of treatment, and some practical tips to address them.
The effect of antihistamines
Many over-the-counter antihistamines, including popular brands such as Benadryl, can cause sexual side effects. They work by blocking the production of histamine, which is a chemical that is released by the immune system, and results in the irritating allergy symptoms, such as itching and a runny nose.
However, histamines also have a range of other functions in the body, including the regulation of the sleep-wake cycle, appetite, temperature, and emotions. They also play a role in sexual arousal, particularly in men.
Certain types of antihistamine, particularly first-generation medications such as diphenhydramine, can interfere with the ability to achieve or maintain an erection, and can also lower the sex drive.
Hormonal disruption
Seasonal allergies can make it more difficult to sleep, as an irritated nose and eyes cause discomfort. Leaving the window open to keep cool and provide a source of ventilation only makes the problem worse, as more pollen circulates through the room. On the other hand, a room that is too warm also makes it difficult to sleep.
Over time, this disruption can cause a sleep deficit, which impacts energy levels, mood, and libido. It can also contribute to low testosterone levels, which is another contributory factor to ED.
Reduced oxygen levels
A constantly congested nose can make breathing more difficult, which is tiresome and can also lead to abnormally low oxygen levels. This causes further fatigue and also reduces bloodflow, impacting the ability to get and sustain an erection long enough for a satisfactory sexual experience.
Psychological impact
Continually battling with sneezing fits, swollen and irritated eyes, and a red dripping nose is physically draining, and can also have a psychological impact. It can trigger low mood or anxiety, and can generally make the sufferer feel less sensual and desirable, lowering the drive to have sex or creating more anxiety about sexual performance.
What can be done to reduce the effects of hay fever?
If you have noticed that ED is an issue right now and were at a loss to work out why, hay fever could be to blame. However, there are some practical steps you can take to lessen the effects, including:
- Switch to a newer non-drowsy brand of antihistamine, such as loratadine
- Use a nasal spray to reduce congestion and improve oxygen levels
- Keep doors and windows closed, particularly during the daytime
- Wash bedding and clothes more regularly to remove pollen
- Brush pets daily to remove pollen
- Shower before going to bed and wash hair more often
If your ED continues to persist beyond the hay fever season and there’s no other explanation, it’s important to speak to your doctor, as there may be underlying causes that require further investigation.
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