Sneezing is a common bodily function that everybody experiences. It’s a reflex action that occurs when irritants like dust, pollen, or viruses stimulate your nasal mucosa. But, did you know that you can also sneeze during sexual activity?.

What is Sexual Sneezing?

Sexual sneezing, also known as honeymoon rhinitis or orgasmic rhinorrhea, is a rare condition where people experience sneezing during or after sexual activity.

The sneezing can happen once or multiple times, and it can last for a few seconds or a few minutes.

The condition is not widely studied, but a 2012 study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine found that 18% of participants reported having experienced sexual sneezing at some point in their lives.

What Causes Sexual Sneezing?

The exact cause of sexual sneezing is not known, but there are a few theories. One theory suggests that it’s a result of the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary bodily functions like sneezing and orgasm.

Another theory suggests that sexual sneezing could be an allergic reaction to a partner’s skin or body fluids.

Some people experience sexual sneezing due to sinus or allergy problems. During sexual arousal, the blood vessels in the nasal cavity dilate, which can exacerbate existing nasal symptoms and cause sneezing.

Is Sexual Sneezing a Cause for Concern?

Sexual sneezing is generally nothing to worry about, and it doesn’t usually indicate an underlying health issue.

However, if your sneezing is accompanied by other symptoms like congestion, facial pain, or headaches, it could be a sign of an underlying sinus or allergy problem that needs medical attention.

Can You Prevent Sexual Sneezing?

Since the cause of sexual sneezing is not fully understood, there are no surefire ways to prevent it. However, if you have a history of sinus or allergy problems, you may find relief by taking antihistamines or decongestants before sexual activity.

Additionally, using a humidifier or taking a steamy shower before sex can help alleviate nasal congestion and reduce the likelihood of sneezing.

What to Do If You Experience Sexual Sneezing?

If you experience sexual sneezing and it doesn’t bother you or your partner, then there is no need to do anything. However, if it becomes a source of embarrassment or disrupts your sexual activity, there are a few things you can do:.

Talk to your doctor to rule out any underlying health issues
Try changing sexual positions to see if it reduces sneezing
Take a break from sexual activity if sneezing becomes too frequent or severe

The Bottom Line

Sexual sneezing is a rare condition that affects some people, and the exact cause is not fully understood. While it’s generally nothing to worry about, if you experience other symptoms like congestion or pain, you should seek medical attention.

There’s no known way to prevent sexual sneezing, but using nasal decongestants or changing sexual positions may help reduce the frequency of sneezing during sex.