Drs. Bulut and two co-author Drs., reported in early 2021 that the Drs. examined the factors involved in the impact of sexual activity on nasal breathing and compared such effect to that of a nasal decongestant.
Methods:
The Drs. evaluated nasal breathing at 5 different times:
1) before sexual activity (baseline),
2) immediately after sexual activity,
3) 30 minutes,
4) 1 hour, and
5), 3 hours after sexual climax.
Same measurements were taken on the second day following application of nasal decongestant spray. For evaluation of nasal breathing, the Drs used a visual analogue scale (VAS). Additionally, they used a portable rhinometric device to measure resistance and nasal flow.
Results:
Nasal breathing improved significantly after sexual intercourse with climax to the same degree as after application of nasal decongestant for up to 60 minutes, as measured subjectively with the VAS (sex −3.6, P < .001; spray −3.2, P < .001). This was confirmed in the objective rhinometric data as mean nasal flow (mL/s) increased while resistance decreased immediately (flow sex +214, P < .001; flow spray +235, P < .001), 30 (flow sex +249, P < .001; flow spray +287, P < .001), and 60 minutes (flow sex +180, P < .001; flow spray +287, P < .001) post-intervention.
Nasal breathing was back to the baseline level after 3 hours following sexual intercourse, while it continued to be improved for longer after application of nasal decongestant. Only participants having nasal obstruction (Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation score >30) showed nasal function improvement after sex.
Conclusions:
Sexual intercourse with climax can improve nasal breathing to the same degree as application of nasal decongestant for up to 60 minutes in patients having nasal obstruction.
A physiological connection between the nose and the genitals has long been proposed.1,2 Wilhelm Fliess (1858-1928), an otolaryngologist practicing in Berlin, was Sigmund Freud’s (1856-1939) closest friend and confidant.3,4 The theory of “reflex nasal neurosis” was published by Fliess in 1897 postulating a physiological connection between the nose and the genitals.3,4 Specific “genital spots,” according to Fliess, located on the inferior nasal turbinates played an important role in the “naso-genital” relation.
Freud and Fliess elaborated on this theory in letters over the next years.5 Sigmund Freud, who underwent inferior turbinate surgery twice by Fliess, even referred publicist Emma Eckstein for surgery, whom he diagnosed with “nasal reflex neurosis.” The surgery ended in a disaster, resulting in recurrent nasal bleeding and a disfigured nose.1,4 Bizarre theories of Fliess of neurosis never held any scientific validity.1,4 Reports of the naso-genital relationship has since diminished in the medical literature.
Parasympathetic and sympathetic nerves innervate the vasculature and glands of the nasal mucosa with opposing actions. Parasympathetic nerves and their neurotransmitters cause mucus secretion and/or vasodilatation. On the contrary, sympathetic nerves and sympathetic neurotransmitters have little effect on mucus secretion but constrict the blood vessels of the nasal mucosa. The opposing actions of these systems most likely determine the effect of nasal patency.6,7
It is known that physical exercise as well as hormonal changes can have an effect on nasal airway resistance in short and in long term.8-12 However, there are no studies investigating the effect of sexual activity on nasal breathing. This study was conducted to examine the impact of sexual activity on nasal breathing and compared the effect to nasal decongestant. Is “love” all you need to improve nasal breathing?
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