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Why do I get a cold after sex?
What you need to know:
- Within half an hour of ejaculation, some men may develop severe muscle pain, weakness, and flu-like or allergy-like symptoms such as sneezing, itchy eyes, nasal irritation, and anxiety, due to a self-allergy to semen known as post-orgasmic illness syndrome (POIS).
I am 30 years old and have been experiencing frequent sneezing, nasal infections, colds, headaches, ear pain, and allergies for the past 10 years. I have also noticed that whenever I engage in sexual intercourse, I tend to catch a cold a few days later. Could there be a connection? David
Dear David,
Some people may experience nasal congestion, a runny nose, and sneezing during sex due to a condition known as honeymoon rhinitis, which may be hereditary. This can affect both men and women and is caused by erectile tissue in the nose becoming engorged during sexual activity. Nasal congestion can also occur as a side effect of Viagra.
However, some individuals may sneeze uncontrollably during sex because of a genetically determined condition resulting from the way the central nervous system is wired.
In such cases, people may sneeze when engaging in or even thinking about sexual activity.
Within half an hour of ejaculation, some men may develop severe muscle pain, weakness, and flu-like or allergy-like symptoms such as sneezing, itchy eyes, nasal irritation, and anxiety, due to a self-allergy to semen known as post-orgasmic illness syndrome (POIS).
These symptoms, whose cause remains unclear, may persist for up to a week or more after sex.
Sometimes, an allergy to sexual fluids, perfumes, or soaps on a partner may also trigger allergic symptoms during intimacy. Please consult your doctor for further tests and assistance.
