ALONG with sneezing and sore eyes, could hay fever be causing you problems in the bedroom?
In the UK, it's estimated that every year millions of people feel the ill-effects of seasonal allergies like hay fever.
And while the most common symptoms such as sneezing and sore eyes are well-known, men across the country can be impacted in an entirely different way.
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, according to Abbas Kanani, superintendent pharmacist of .
He explained: "The body's immune response may cause inflammation and constriction of blood vessels when you're feeling under the weather.
"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."
The main cause of ED is from conditions which reduce the body’s ability to deliver blood to the penis.
But there are things you can do to help the problem, said Abbas.
The first is to fill your diet with anti-inflammatory foods.
Boosting your diet with anti-inflammatory foods will help to support good immune health and reduce inflammation in your body.
One published in 2023 found plant-based diets, which emphasise the high consumption of fruits and vegetables, grains, and legumes while avoiding or reducing animal foods, are associated with the reduction of allergy-related inflammation.
Abbas added: "Fatty fish, nuts and green leafy veggies all have excellent anti-inflammatory properties."
Allergy symptoms from conditions such as hay fever can indirectly lead to dehydration too, which is a risk factor for erection issues.
Hay fever can contribute to dehydration, as the body's response to allergens, including a runny nose and watery eyes, involves significant fluid loss.
Abbas also explained: "Dehydration can cause erectile dysfunction (ED) because it reduces blood volume, disrupts hormone levels, and lowers sexual drive."
Sleep patterns may be disturbed by nasal congestion and this can result in fatigue and a decline in testosterone levels, both of which can affect your erections.
Abbas advised: "To avoid this, men should pay attention to their sleep hygiene in the spring months.
"Create an allergy-free sleep environment by using air purifiers and shutting windows during high pollen times can greatly improve sleep quality."
If you turn to antihistamines or decongestants for hay fever symptoms you could also be increasing your risk of ED.
Because for some men, certain types can cause the condition, warned Abbas.
He said: "First-generation antihistamines like diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and decongestants that have the ingredient pseudoephedrine, can cause side effects such as drowsiness, reduced libido and constrict blood vessels, which can contribute to erectile dysfunction.
"Although most men are likely not to experience side effects, it is possible."
The pharmacist suggests second-generation antihistamines such as and Cetirizine (Zyrtec) tend to have fewer side effects related to drowsiness and sexual function.
Spikes in cortisol levels are more likely when you're faced with allergies, and this can lower testosterone levels, said Abbas, which are crucial for maintaining erectile function.
He recommended: "Regular physical activity not only helps with bringing down stress levels, but can also help to improve cardiovascular health and boost erectile function."
Sexual arousal in men is a process which involves the brain, hormones, nerves, emotions, and blood vessels.
Erectile problems can arise when there is a problem with any of these processes.
Problems can be both physical and psychological, according to Abbas, as he said symptoms can include:
ED is a common condition in men over the age of 40.
Although it is less prevalent for younger men, it is not unheard of.
have shown that ED was reported in eight per cent of men between the ages of 20 and 29 and 11 per cent in those between 30 and 39 years.
If you're experiencing symptoms of ED, you should visit your GP.
Abbas said: "Often, there is an underlying cause, and addressing the issue may help to reverse ED.
"In cases where ED is not resolved by treating the underlying issue, treatment can help."
ERECTILE dysfunction (ED) can be treated with medications like sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), or vardenafil (Levitra).
Medications to treat ED are called PDE5 inhibitors.
Abbas Kanani, superintendent pharmacist of , said: "It's important to note that these tablets do not increase sexual desire, nor will they work if there is no sexual stimulation.
"Sexual stimulation is required to cause nitric oxide to be released.
"The tablets work to improve nitric oxide signalling, making it easier to get an erection".
ED tablets vary in dosages and strengths, with some tablets working quicker and lasting longer than other.
Other treatment methods include a vacuum pump, cream and gels or injections.
Abbas said: "You may need to try a few different options, before deciding what works for you. Ultimately, the best treatment is the one that works."
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