Experts are warning about a surprising allergy symptom this year: problems in the bedroom.
Over 100 million Americans experience seasonal allergies every year, however many say that their stuffy noses and itchy eyes have left them sneezing more this year – and global warming might be to blame.
Environmental experts say that rising temperatures extend the plant blooming season, meaning that they produce pollen earlier and disperse it longer into the year.
Additionally, more carbon dioxide in the atmosphere also helps plants thrive and produce excessive pollen in the air.
But apart from causing congestion and an itchy throat, allergy season can also lead to major sexual dysfunction.
Seasonal allergies, also known as allergic rhinitis, are triggered by the pollen released by plants in the air.
Allergies trigger the immune system, sending it into overdrive to defend the body against what it thinks are harmful invaders -and this overreaction may cause erectile dysfunction.
Dr Ashwin Sharma, an expert on medical weight loss and health technology from Imperial College London, said: ‘Cells involved in [allergies] have been found to contribute to the hardening of arteries within the body, which is a well-established risk factor for erectile dysfunction.’
Allergic rhinitis, is a seasonal allergy triggered by the pollen released by plants in the air
‘This is a major risk factor for ED as it reduces blood flow and nitric oxide production, both of which are essential for achieving and maintaining an erection.
‘Therefore, men who suffer badly from allergies this spring may also find that their sex life could be affected.’
He added: ‘In fact, medical evidence suggests that those suffering from allergic rhinitis appear to be at higher risk of future erectile dysfunction, depending on severity.’
While seasonal allergies typically occur in spring and summer, it can vary from region to region depending on the kind of pollen being released.
Tree pollen in the air is highest from February through June, grass pollen is mostly released between May to August while weed pollen is highest from July through October.
According to the CDC, over 50 million Americans, or 25 percent of the adult population, suffer from allergies annually.
The reaction can trigger an inflammatory response in the body, which can contribute to increased stress on the cardiovascular system.
This can cause blood vessels to narrow and harden which can in turn make it hard for blood to flow around the body.
And low blood flow to the penis can lead to erectile dysfunction as it makes it difficult to achieve or maintain an erection.
Pictured: Dr Ashwin Sharma, an expert on medical weight loss and health technology from Imperial College London
Additionally, allergic reactions can trigger the release of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline.
High cortisol levels can also interfere with overall hormonal balance and blood flow to the penis – leading to erectile dysfunction in men.
A 2013 Taiwan study published in the European Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found men suffering from allergic rhinitis were at a high risk of developing erectile dysfunction.
The study analyzed and followed up with 128,118 men between the ages of 18 to 55 from January 2, 2000 to December 31, 2008 – observing if they developed erectile dysfunction at any point.
Out of this, 64,059 were suffering from allergic rhinitis while 64,059 were not.
Results showed that out of those those suffering from seasonal allergies, 844 developed erectile dysfunction at some point in the eight-year span. Out of those who did not have allergies, 611 men had erectile dysfunction.
The study concluded that men with allergies had a 37 percent higher risk of developing erectile dysfunction that their counterparts.
It’s not just men who suffer from this complication – allergic rhinitis symptoms like nasal obstruction and dysosmia (altered sense of smell) can also impact female orgasm.
A February 2025 study by a group of Chinese researchers found a lack of smell can affect arousal, desire and overall enjoyment of sexual activity, as well as reduce overall sexual satisfaction.
Chronic seasonal allergies can trigger an inflammatory response in the body, which can contribute to increased stress on the cardiovascular system
The researchers analyzed 1,034 patients women with allergic rhinitis and 422 healthy women between the ages of 23 and 45.
Those involved were asked about their allergies and sex life. Their nasal symptoms were assessed using Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores (numerical values assigned to a patient’s self-reported pain or other symptoms).
Their sexual function was evaluated using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) for women (a 19-question survey designed to assess female sexual function).
Results showed nasal obstruction decreased sexual desire by about 31 percent, arousal by 21 percent, the ability to have an orgasm by 61 percent and overall sexual satisfaction by 34 percent.
The scientists also found that impaired smell due to seasonal allergies could decrease arousal, orgasms and intercourse satisfaction by about 54 percent in women.
Nasal obstruction can interfere with the sense of smell, which is known to play a role in sexual arousal.
An inability to smell or experience certain scents that might be arousing can negatively impact desire and overall sexual function.
Smell can stimulate the release of hormones, like testosterone and estrogen, which are linked to sexual motivation and arousal.
Research also suggests that specific odors, such as those from sweat or pheromones, can trigger a cascade of hormonal changes that influence sexual responses.
However, a nasal obstruction or impaired sense of smell can make it difficult for sex-related hormones to be released – leading to decreased sexual desire.
Dr Li Zhao, study author and professor of otolaryngology at The Second Hospital of Shandong University, said: ‘Both male and female allergic rhinitis patients face an increased risk of sexual dysfunction.
‘Nasal congestion and distorted sense of smell were found to have the most profound effects.
‘Female patients showed notable declines in arousal, orgasmic function, and intercourse satisfaction.
‘These findings underscore the need for treatment that addresses not only the respiratory effects but also its broader impact on quality of life.’
