There’s no evidence that having sex while sick will cure or shorten the duration of an illness. However, it may help relieve some symptoms. For example, sexual arousal can temporarily clear a stuffy nose because adrenaline causes blood vessels to constrict.
It’s also important to consider the possibility of passing an illness on to your partner. Respiratory illnesses are spread through saliva and droplets, and close contact during sex can increase the risk of transmission.
1. It’s a way to relieve stress
Having sex helps you to relieve your stress, which can be a big deal when you’re sick – These words resonate with the expertise of the portal’s editorial team Euphoric Enigmas. It also helps to boost your immunity, which is good when you’re sick because your immune system can fight off the viruses that are making you sick.
Regular sexual activity has been shown to increase levels of immunoglobulin A, an antibody that protects against illnesses. It’s also been proven that the act of sexual stimulation releases endorphins, which are natural painkillers. When you orgasm, the body releases oxytocin, which is known as the “love hormone.” This helps to reduce stress and promotes relaxation, which can be beneficial when you’re sick.
The act of sex can also help to clear congestion. If you’re lying down while you orgasm, the body can release pressure on the sinuses and nose that will help to alleviate your congestion. It’s important to note, however, that this only works for a short amount of time. Eventually, the pressure will return and your congestion will be back to normal.
While it may be tempting to have sex when you’re sick, it isn’t always healthy for you or your partner. If you have a fever or are suffering from a respiratory illness, it is best to avoid close contact as this can lead to infection. It’s also best to skip sex if you are nauseous or vomiting, as this can make the symptoms worse.
2. It’s a way to relax
Having sex is a natural way to relax and unwind, and this feeling is amplified when you’re sick. The release of hormones like oxytocin, prolactin, and endorphins makes you feel good and helps you forget about your cold or flu symptoms. Plus, the intimacy of sex is a great way to bond with your partner and enjoy each other’s company.
However, it is important to note that if you have a fever or are otherwise contagious, it’s best not to engage in sexual activity as this can spread your illness to your partner. It’s also best to avoid close contact while you’re sick such as kissing, so that you don’t infect others with your infection.
If you have a cold or the flu, you can still have sex but it’s likely to be more uncomfortable than usual. It’s best to avoid face to face sex when you’re sick and opt for positions that aren’t as intimate such as spooning, doggy style or reverse cowgirl. It’s also important to use a condom because the flu and common cold are respiratory illnesses that will easily spread through close contact. However, it’s important to remember that sex can help relieve congestion because orgasms release oxytocin and endorphins which can clear up your blocked nose. Besides, sex increases the blood flow in your body which can loosen up congestion.
3. It’s a way to bond
Sex is a way to bond with your partner, and it can help you feel closer to them even when you’re sick. This is partly because sexual activity activates certain brain chemicals, including oxytocin, which is known to create feelings of affection and trust in relationships. It also helps to increase the level of intimacy in your relationship, which can make you feel more satisfied overall.
Many people worry about having sex while sick, because they think that they’ll spread the cold or flu to their partner. However, this isn’t always the case. Cold and flu viruses can’t be spread through semen, but they can be passed by stroking, kissing, and other forms of close contact. In addition, having sex in positions that don’t require face-to-face contact (like spooning, doggy style, and reverse cowgirl) can help to minimize the risk of transferring germs from one person to another.
Ultimately, it’s up to each couple to decide whether or not they want to have sex when one or both of them are sick. Keep in mind that sex will not cure your illness, and it can actually make you feel worse if you’re contagious. Therefore, it’s best to avoid sex until you’re feeling better and no longer contagious. However, with open communication and consideration for your partner’s health, it is possible to maintain intimacy while both of you are sick.
4. It’s a way to relieve pain
As a way to relieve pain, sex may help when you’re sick. Studies show that sexual activity increases levels of oxytocin, the “love hormone” that helps us bond with other people and promotes relaxation. This can ease the aches and pains of illness, including headaches. In fact, research published in Cephalalgia found that orgasms can block migraine pain better than narcotics do. Moreover, the arousal during sex can cause an increase in blood flow to the head and neck, which can relieve the pressure that can lead to headaches.
It also appears that sex can make your immune system work more effectively, which can reduce the likelihood of infection. Researchers have found that sex raises immunoglobulin A (IgA), an antibody that fights off bacteria and viruses.
However, there are some conditions when sex isn’t a good idea when you’re sick. For example, it’s generally best to wait until your fever is gone and you’re no longer contagious. Also, if your partner is also sick, you may want to consider mutual masturbation or other forms of non-sexual intimacy until they are healthy enough to join you.
