Why do I get a stuffy blocked nose after sex?

Doctor's Answers 1

Thank you for asking such a fascinating question. You are indeed a keen observer. There are many blood vessels in the soft tissues of the nose. Called turbinates, these blood vessels can swell. Swollen tisuues in the nose can block the nasal passages, creating congestion.

During sexual arousal, the sympathetic nervous system kicks in and the blood vessels constrict. There is less blood flow to the nose and the nose opens up. A potential side effect of this is that one may then develop a runny nose. This has bene reported to happen during sexual activity or afterwards.

There is less congestion for 45 to 60 minutes. After orgasm, the parasympathetic nervous system takes over. The nose will start to slowly return to normal.

The turbinates of the nose contain erectile tissue, and nasal stuffiness during sexual activity is a well known phenomenon (honeymoon rhinitis).

Similar Questions

Why do I always get runny nose in the morning? How can I get rid of it?

Thank you for your question. I will address the question in a few sections: “Sinus” vs Sinusitis – What is the difference? “Sinus” is a common term that many people incorrectly use to describe nose symptoms such as: Frequent blocked nose Runny nose Sneezing Sinuses are hollow spaces that surround the nasal cavity. Everyone has them and it is a normal part of the anatomy in your face. The lining of these spaces (called mucous membranes) produces mucous that drains into the nose.

Photo of Dr Eng Cern Gan

Answered By

Dr Eng Cern Gan

ENT Doctor

How do I get rid of a persistent blocked nose?

If you have been diagnosed with acute sinusitis (bacterial infection of the sinuses) and bronchitis (inflammation of the lungs), you will need to be treated with a course of oral antibiotics, nasal wash with salt solutions and nasal steroid sprays. It may take up to 2-3 weeks for an acute sinusitis to resolve completely. I would suggest visiting an ENT Specialist for an assessment. It is quite likely that a nasoendoscopy will be required. This involves passing a small scope through the nose under local anaesthesia to look for signs of sinusitis.

Photo of Dr Eng Cern Gan

Answered By

Dr Eng Cern Gan

ENT Doctor

Ask any health question for free

I’m not so sure about a procedure...

Ask Icon Ask a Question

Join Human

Sign up now for a free Human account to get answers from specialists in Singapore.

Sign Up

Get The Pill

Be healthier with our Bite-sized health news straight in your inbox