Orgasm May Offer Temporary Relief for Nasal Congestion, Study Suggests
A small German study found that reaching climax could clear stuffy noses as effectively as decongestant spray, but the effects were short-lived.
A recent study published in the Ear, Nose & Throat Journal suggests that orgasms may provide a temporary solution for nasal congestion, potentially offering relief comparable to over-the-counter decongestant sprays. The research, conducted in Germany, involved 18 couples who were experiencing everyday stuffiness.
Researchers measured nasal congestion before and after sexual activity, as well as after using decongestant spray on separate occasions. The study utilized both self-reported rankings and a rhinomanometer, a device used to measure airflow. The findings indicated that reaching orgasm could clear nasal passages as effectively as decongestant spray.
However, the relief provided by sexual activity was notably transient. The study observed that the decongestant effects from an orgasm lasted for approximately one hour, diminishing within three hours. In contrast, nasal spray, which works by shrinking swollen blood vessels in the nose, provided a longer-lasting reduction in congestion.
Airflow readings taken immediately after sex showed an increase of about 214 milliliters per second, rising to 249 milliliters after 30 minutes. Nasal spray, on the other hand, increased airflow by 235 milliliters right after use and 287 milliliters 30 minutes later. Three hours post-orgasm, nasal breathing returned to pre-sex levels.
The study also noted that the effectiveness of orgasmic relief varied based on the initial severity of congestion. Participants who reported higher levels of nasal obstruction, indicated by a score above 30 on the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) scale, experienced more significant improvements in nasal breathing after sex. Those with milder congestion saw only minor benefits.
While the study did not pinpoint the exact mechanism behind this effect, researchers speculated that a combination of arousal, excitement, physical activity, and the orgasm itself could contribute to nasal decongestion. Increased blood flow throughout the body, a common physiological response during arousal, may also play a role by affecting the blood vessels in the nasal turbinates.
Limitations of the study were acknowledged, including the reliance on self-reported data for nasal breathing and the availability of airflow readings for only a portion of the participants. The researchers suggested that future studies could explore whether intercourse without orgasm or masturbation yield similar results. They also noted that decongestant sprays, which should not be used for more than three consecutive days due to the risk of worsening congestion, could potentially be replaced by solo orgasms as a natural alternative.