The Evil Monkey has a Ph.D. in Neuroscience from a southeastern U.S. university. After a postdoctoral nightmare of Inquisitorial proportions, he is currently working in a laboratory and an adjunct assistant professor at a nearby state university.
Scicurious is a graduate student wrestling with a PhD in Physiology and Pharmacology at a southern institution. She is a nerd, a geek, and also a dork. And yes, that really is her brain.
NotoriousLTP is an MD-PhD student in New York City. After finishing (hopefully soon) his PhD in behavioral neuroscience, he will re-enter the fun vortex that is medical education.
I'm starting to think it must be a LOT of fun to be the editor of the Journal of Medical Hypotheses. First there was the one about groaning and hyperventilation decreasing blood to the cortex and enhancing the sexual experience, and now this (hat tip, my friend Scott, and here's very much hoping Ike spared your house):
Zarrintan, S "Ejaculation as a potential treatment of nasal congestion in mature males" The Journal of Medical Hypotheses, 71(2), 2008.
Oh man, this one's so good I almost just want to quote it verbatim. But I won't.
So I'm sure you've all been congested as some point. Usually we reach for the Sudafed (if we can get some, in the States it's like pulling teeth), or the Dayquil, or perhaps just put our heads over a cup of steaming tea. But how many of us think "man, if only I could get off right now..."
Though probably when you are really congested, getting off is not really something that's much on your mind. And if it is, my but you have a very odd fetish. Congestion (inflammation of the blood vessels in the nose) has lots of causes, most of us think of colds or allergies, maybe a sinus infection. The author notes that chronic problems with congestion can lead to low self-esteem and reduced quality of life. I've never personally found my congestion to be THAT bad, but I suppose there could be some cases.
Most over the counter decongestant work by stimulating adrenergic receptors. These would be drugs like Sudafed. Drugs like Claritin are allergy drugs that block histamine, and so work a different way. So anyway, stimulating adrenergic receptors causes vasoconstriction, and constricting the blood vessels of the nose will relieve congestion. But the author notes that this is not necessarily a good thing. Adrenergic stimulation could lead to problems with vasoconstriction in other areas, which could be bad if you have problems like hypertension. Also, using decongestants for a while will make you tolerant, and your congestion will just get more difficult to fight.
So the author proposes a more...natural method of decongestion. "It is known that sexual arousal in men is followed by penile erection and subsequent ejaculation" (unless of course you've taken too much Viagra or something). The emission phase of ejaculation is under the control of the sympathetic nervous system, which of course has lots of adrenergic receptors. The author reasons that ejaculation will stimulation adrenergic receptors in the refractory period immediately afterward, and stimulation of your adrenergic receptors will give you relief from your cold.
The author proposes that, with proper scheduling of masturbation and/or sexual intercourse a guy could keep his nose clear for the rest of his life! I wonder how the partner takes that. "Honey, come here, my nose is stuffed up..." And what if your nose is REALLY messed up? I hope those people work from home.
And if a guy can keep his nose clear for life, what about us ladeez? My allergies bother me, too, you know. I think this needs to be tested, both on men and women. So I want to hear back from all of your whether it worked. Wait 'til the hay fever sets in, go at it like rabbits, and then leave a comment with whether or not it worked. Obviously this is not a well controlled study, but I don't know that I want to ask whether it was masturbation or intercourse, and I wouldn't trust anyone with a timer in the few minutes after sex to measure their refractory period. So this is more of a pilot than a real test. Go to it! This is your homework for the weekend!
S ZARRINTAN (2008). Ejaculation as a potential treatment of nasal congestion in mature males Medical Hypotheses, 71 (2), 308-308 DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2008.03.010
Medicine & Health
Comments
Wait a moment....
*ahem* No, it didn't seem to make much difference with some mild nasal congestion. On the other hand, I have noticed in the past that any moderate physical activity, like going for a brisk walk, *will* do a pretty good job of temporarily clearing the sinuses. So I wonder if that is really what's going on with this phenomenon.
Posted by: Anon | September 19, 2008 12:20 AM
I am majorly congested right now. Gotta go, brb....
Posted by: Coturnix | September 19, 2008 12:41 AM
I began noticing this sometime in my early twenties. My sinuses *completely* clear for at least 30 seconds during orgasm and just after. Unfortunately, it doesn't last longer than that...
I have a very comical memory of talking to a girlfriend about it one day, then that same night, having had very bad allergies and I pantomimed toward my nose to get her attention and breathed in and out as I orgasmed to illustrate how my sinuses would clear.
Posted by: anony | September 19, 2008 1:46 AM
I tried it but kept falling asleep before I could make clear observations and take notes. And once I've slept I can't remember. On the positive side I'm getting a lot more sleep. And seem more relaxed.
Posted by: Art | September 19, 2008 2:33 AM
Pass the Kleenex would ya? It's for my, ahem, blocked nose.
Posted by: David Bradley | September 19, 2008 5:41 AM
I've frequently noticed that, whether I've earlier experienced congestion or not, I'll need to blow my nose shortly after ejaculation.
Posted by: chezjake | September 19, 2008 7:09 AM
Oh, I thought I was the only one to notice that.
i guess the mucus is being pulled from one place, and rushed to another.
Posted by: Jack Kerr | September 19, 2008 8:15 AM
I am 66 years old and it appears that for the last three years I have been going into a sneezing fit--sneezing about six~ten times after ejaculation. This answers my question as to why I was doing this. At least now I know it is normal.
Posted by: Sean | September 19, 2008 8:57 AM
Actually, Sean, I've heard of that phenomenon, and there's a different reflex associated with that. It's definitely heard of though.
Anon, yeah, exercise usually helps me, but the author said something about exercise CAUSING congestion in some people.
Anony, did your girlfriend react WELL to your illustrations? Or did it ruin the moment?
Wow, so right now we have a tally of 3 (or 4 depending onwhether you count sneezing), one for whom it didn't work, and one who couldn't stay awake. I need more data!!!
Posted by: scicurious | September 19, 2008 9:07 AM
::checks:: newp, no difference. Nice idea tho. Odd how theoretically this is proposed but the scientist couldn't find one single person to try it out before publishing?
Posted by: broklynite | September 19, 2008 9:35 AM
I personally think your body will trigger whatever reaction it needs to clear your nasal passages in order to make sure it gets enough oxygen (like during heavy breathing perhaps). I've noticed this mainly when having to breath out of my nose for a time and being slightly stuffy and when exercising as well. I'm skeptical about this phenomenon being related to ejaculation, but let a good study tell for sure.
Posted by: Not Stuffy | September 19, 2008 9:52 AM
What anony said. Lasts a minute tops and the congestion sets right back in.
Posted by: MDRO | September 19, 2008 10:07 AM
Sex/masturbation has always been my cure for cramps.
Posted by: Shannon | September 19, 2008 10:52 AM
It's ragweed season and I am going to be making some extensive observations on this over the next few days.
I hope.
Posted by: Chris | September 19, 2008 11:08 AM
So perhaps I can blame my persistent sinusitis on the Tantra?
Posted by: dasmb | September 19, 2008 11:36 AM
Masturbation/Sex definitely solves my congestion issues... for a short while. Within a minute or two of stopping, the sinus troubles return full force. Any other moderate physical activity (cleaning, yard work, aerobic exercise) also seems to help, and the effects seem to last a little bit longer. Sitting still and/or slouching make the problem 10 times worse.
Posted by: angie | September 19, 2008 12:53 PM
Works wonders for me for sinus headaches, not so much for a runny nose.
Posted by: thamilton | September 19, 2008 1:39 PM
Well ive tried it, and it did nothing for my congestion, I do however have a very strong right arm now, so not all bad :)
Posted by: gren | September 19, 2008 2:19 PM
Appropriate for this thread!! ? ;-)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C0kGc6UEGVc
Posted by: Stacy S | September 19, 2008 4:27 PM
Stacy s: considering it was flagged as inappropriate and wouldn't even come up on my browser, I couldn't tell you. But probably, yeah.
Posted by: scicurious | September 19, 2008 4:51 PM
Shannon: yeha. orgasming is proven to help mestrual cramps. its theorised that this will entice more women to have sex while they ovulate, thus ensuring more pregnancy. its an evolutionary thing. it doesnt matter if yo ubeleive in evolution or not. either way, orgasms=less cramps. its great.
Posted by: andrea | September 19, 2008 5:11 PM
Andrea: Orgasming does indeed help menstrual cramps in some women, at least in the short term. However, it's not to promote more sex and more children. When you are menstruating, you are NOT ovulating. Ovulation comes a few days after your last menstrual period, and there are usually no cramps associated with it (though some women do get them). During the time of ovulation, women are more physically attractive (their waist to hip ratios actually change, their lips are fuller, etc), and also hornier. THAT is what encourages more sex.
Posted by: scicurious | September 19, 2008 5:26 PM
I found that snorkeling was very effective. too. Diving 30-49 ft causes compression follow by decompression and subsequent copious phlegm discharge. Of course during initial dives, with blockage, only about 10 feet is obtainable because of pain in the ears and sinuses from the pressure differential. But usually with repeated attempts over the course of an half-hour, one can exceed 50 ft. depth.
Posted by: Pietro | September 19, 2008 8:24 PM
I'm pretty sure I read an article in Playboy (yes, I read the articles, at least occasionally) about 20 years ago by a doctor saying the same thing. Had the hypothesis, tested it himself, claimed it worked -- but he never suggested scheduling "treatments" to avoid ever taking another Sudafed. Of course, he didn't have to stand in line and show ID to get a flippin' 12-pack of Sudafed back then, either.
Posted by: Unfocused Me | September 19, 2008 10:24 PM
NO I DONT NEED A TISSUE HONEY, JUST GO UPSTAIRS AND TAKE OFF YOUR CLOTHES, I NEED TO CLEAR MY NASAL....TIME FOR SEX..
GREAT HYPOTHESIS
Posted by: BRIAN | September 19, 2008 11:42 PM
I'm a woman in late middle age, have always had bad sinuses, and can say from considerable experience that orgasming does clear my sinuses for a brief period. Never timed it, I'm afraid.
Also excellent home remedy for menstrual cramping. Not that that's a problem anymore - menopause mostly 'rocks' as you young folk would say. (Okay, I would say it too, but not when any of you young things would hear. Git off my lawn, dang it!)
Posted by: Bee | September 19, 2008 11:51 PM
You know Scicurious, knowing that the production of nasal mucous is cholinergically controlled, I can almost squint and see the logic of this hypothesis. I suppose the experiment would be to compare the effects of masturbation with various sympathetic/parasympathetic blockades. Besides, what did a little weiner-pulling ever hurt?
Posted by: Isis the Scientist | September 20, 2008 9:57 AM
I have noticed this effect myself. The magnitude of the effect seems to be related to how intense the orgasm is as well. The great thing is that while Sudafed makes it easier to breath, it also makes your sinuses and throat feel dry, while the orgasm effect just seems to open everything up.
Posted by: Chris | September 20, 2008 12:03 PM
It all started with Wilhelm Fliess...
Posted by: Coturnix | September 20, 2008 11:37 PM
Orgasm definitely seems to ease my sinus headaches. I've never understood, "Not tonight, dear. I have a headache" (unless it's a migraine; migraine=leave me alone). With a headache, I'm more like, "Oh man, I have a bad headache. Please help?" ;)
However, during peak fall allergy season, I have, regrettably, noticed a tendency to end up with an asthma attack within just a little while after, errrm, ummm, recreational heavy breathing.
My biggest complaint is that it's hard to give quality oral sex when my nose is all clogged up. I feel guilty and frustrated about doing such a lackluster job.
Posted by: aikibookworm | September 21, 2008 10:48 AM
Isis: Yeah, I can see it too. I definitely think it's worth looking at some preliminary data! I need to do a count of all the responses, though. And it appears the respite is short-lived.
aikibookworm: Great for your sinus headaches, but you've kind of strayed into the realm of things I didn't really need to know...
Posted by: scicurious | September 21, 2008 12:32 PM
I'll have to try the masturbation method. Ordinarily for temporary sinus relief I spray the tips of two fingers with pepper spray and apply to my nostrils, then breathe in.
Hurts for about an hour, but it really unclogs the sinuses.
Posted by: The Wanderer | September 21, 2008 4:56 PM
I'm a chronic sinus sufferer, and have truly noticed less constricted nasal passages post orgasm. It's not so much a reduction in mucous as it is a widening of the passageways. I find sex preferable to masturbation (for this express medical purposes, of course...), and am sure that exercise has a similar effect--even yard work. The problem is that my condition is chronic and I don't need quick alleviation a few times a year. I'm always suffering and can't afford to jerk myself silly every couple of hours. I'm looking into alternate therapies including NAET and EFT. If you suffer too, look them up and keep an open mind (it might lead to an open nose...).
Posted by: Hot Toddy | September 21, 2008 6:49 PM
I think this will work better than telling her, "It will clear up your skin."
Posted by: Curt Russell | September 22, 2008 7:11 AM
Hot damn! That causality book you have listed under "Currently Reading" looks sweet! I read its preview pages on Amazon and then promptly ordered it.
Oh, and the sinus remedy ... I'll get back to you on that. :-)
Posted by: Miles Gloriosus | September 22, 2008 9:09 AM
I tried this again last night and gave it more attention. The sinus congestion clears up well before the climax and the effect remains for a good 30 minutes afterwards. Right now I'm wondering if it's a mechanical thing rather than an endocrine thing--e.g., different jaw position, which I noted.
Posted by: Chris | September 22, 2008 11:25 AM
Peitro: Diving with sinusitis? My ghod you are brave. If i have any problems with a stuffy nose I find I can't get more than about a metre underwater before my ears really start to hurt.
Posted by: Lab Rat | September 23, 2008 7:24 AM
Tried it. Didn t work.
Posted by: слънчев гряг | September 23, 2008 1:40 PM
I have long noticed a short term solution. I am either clear or oblivious while engaging, and afterward I am clear for less than a half hour. Also, my allergies cause mostly running or congestion, but the end of the post intercourse clearness usually includes a lot of sneezing as well.
Posted by: P | September 24, 2008 11:01 AM
I swear I wake up congested every morning, but after servicing myself, am breathing fine. Tried to explain this to my girlfriend, but she thinks it's just an excuse to validate my morning ritual.
Posted by: BigBorker | September 27, 2008 8:13 AM
i find banging my head against the wall whilst crying "for the love of god, i never said that, and if i did i didn't mean it that way" helps clear my sinuses.
although i'd imagine the precursor argument may have got the white cells flooding around the body.
will get back to you after a good w***
Posted by: humble.life | October 18, 2008 6:07 AM
'Orgasm definitely seems to ease my sinus headaches. I've never understood, "Not tonight, dear. I have a headache"'
My impression is that the mainstream use of "not tonight, dear, I have a headache" is mostly lying to get out of having sex without hurting the partner's feelings too much.
Me and my partners tend to be over each other like teenagers, frome time to time, so a headache for me is more of "no getting me off *sob, unf unf*". I've in the past on 3+ occasions spaced out over years attempted getting off while having a headache (all solo, though). In my experience, for me, headache + orgasm = explosive pain, PAIN! The headache gets somewhat worse the closer to the orgasm, only to suddenly bash my brains out with an iced sledgehammer the size of an anvil.
As far as I know I don't have migraine, though I have no idea what kinds of headaches my past attempts were with. My (male) partner is lucky enough to not have this problem with headaches, it merely makes him less in the mood.
Posted by: Ptn | February 6, 2009 9:57 AM
I think it is more to do with the increase in CO2 levels in the blood during orgasm. Some people need to hold their breath to orgasm, and it's because orgasm occurs easier with the blood full of CO2 (also why auto-erotic asphyxiation is performed by some). The same effect can be gotten from some strenous exercise or fast walking. I think the blood vessels in your nose shrink when CO2 levels in the blood increase... at least that is my theory. It also explains why people's nasal congestion can come right back after they get their breath back from an orgasm or some exercise, because the O2 levels in their blood go righ tback up with the hard breathing.
Posted by: ABC | February 6, 2009 10:31 PM
While this wasn't exactly the read I was looking for during my internet search it was an eye opener. You see recently had a nasty fever of 103 for several days that I couldn't shake. I remember reading somewhere a long time ago about a couple dry humping to break the g/f's fever. Even though I was not in the mood, I gave masturbation a try. After I climaxed (and a short nap) my temperature dropped to normal and I've been fine ever since. This will be the second time I've broken a fever using this -uh- technique. I'm wondering if there's a connection or if I'm just weird.
Posted by: Bree | February 12, 2009 3:39 AM
I am female, and I just googled 'masturbation clears my sinuses' and found this article. So, obviously it works for me :) I'm really congested right now, but I managed to get at least one nostril completely clear for a little while! Glad I am not the only one... it really does work...
Posted by: Female | February 22, 2009 3:32 AM
Also, I wanted to add this... I was also wondering if it was more of a mechanical thing...( in regards to an ealier post about jaw placement ) because if I recall correctly... I also go jogging sometimes when I get really stuffy and it clears up well... I also find I get better much more quickly when I force myself to exercise no matter how crappy I feel... so perhaps it's just the increase in breathing or strenuous activities? I had a hunch that maybe endorphins were behind it... either way... I feel better about being sick after a some quick self love :)
Posted by: Female | February 22, 2009 3:38 AM
definitely works, if only for a little while. and like another poster said, the level of cleared sinuses varies depending on how intense the orgasm is.
i'm a girl by the way, so it does apply to both sexes!
Posted by: stuffy | March 28, 2009 1:30 PM
I was wondering if it was just me, but every time I had an orgasm the past couple nights my stuffy nose would clear up. Like a few had already said, it only lasts but a minute. Well let's say I got about 15 minutes of being able to breathe each night. I've had this darn stuffy nose for the past 5 days and I'm so ready to get rid of it.
Posted by: Kris | March 31, 2009 10:46 PM
The Stones knew all about this ...
"She blew my nose and then she blew my mind"
Posted by: jimdandy | May 8, 2009 3:39 PM
I liked #45 answer.
Posted by: jamie | May 10, 2009 1:40 AM
I just always assumed that this was common knowledge. It's undoubtedly true with me.
Posted by: Kevin | June 15, 2009 6:44 PM
well apparently it does work on both men and women! my boyfriend and I were making out/pleasuring eachother (we both have a cold btw) and both of us felt much better afterwords and we both could breathe easily. lol
Posted by: samantha | June 18, 2009 1:03 AM