There is no evidence that sex can prevent a cold. However, research by Carl Charnetski and Francis Brennan at Wilkes University suggests that regular sex boosts levels of immunoglobulin A (IgA), which may offer some protection from infection.
Having sex while sick triggers the release of endorphins, which may temporarily relieve symptoms. But it won’t cure you or shorten your illness, and it can also cause you to pass the virus onto your partner.
1. It can relieve stress
Whether or not you’re into the rom-coms, sex can definitely relieve stress. During sexual activity, your body releases hormones including oxytocin, serotonin, and dopamine, all of which have a positive impact on mood. Oxytocin triggers those “love at first sight” feelings, serotonin helps to naturally lift your mood and alleviate depression symptoms, and dopamine produces the gratifying feeling of orgasm. These hormones can help to lower cortisol levels and decrease blood pressure, which can help you sleep better.
In fact, sex may also help you fight off your cold or flu faster because it increases the production of melatonin, which is known to promote healthy sleep patterns.1
However, having sex when you’re sick isn’t necessarily the best idea because respiratory illnesses like the common cold and flu are spread through droplets and saliva, which means kissing and other forms of close contact. The risk of getting your partner sick also increases if you’re having oral sex, which can transmit infections such as herpes, gonorrhea, and chlamydia.
It’s important to remember that a cold or flu can be contagious for as long as you have symptoms, and even after you feel better, you can still be contagious for about a week afterwards. So while sex can relieve stress, it’s probably best to wait until you’re feeling better.
2. It can boost your immune system
The immune system is an intricate network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to protect the body from infections and diseases. Several factors can affect immune system function, including nutrition, exercise, stress levels, and sleep. Studies have shown that having sex can help boost the immune system by increasing levels of immunoglobulin A (IgA), an antibody that plays a role in preventing infection. Researchers believe that IgA can help prevent illness by binding to bacteria and viruses and activating the body’s natural defense mechanisms to destroy them.
If you’ve ever had sex while sick, you’ve probably noticed that your runny nose stops temporarily. The reason for this is that sexual arousal causes the release of adrenaline, which causes blood vessels to constrict. This reduces the amount of blood flow to the nasal and sinus passages, and therefore decreases the build-up of mucus. However, this effect only lasts until orgasm is complete and the parasympathetic nervous system (which conserves energy and slows your heart rate) takes over again.
In a study of couples, scientists found that people who have sex at least two times a week have higher IgA levels than those who have sex less frequently. However, this may be due to other factors, such as the overall health and lifestyle of the couple. Still, sex can provide important benefits for your immune system, especially when it’s done in moderation with the one you love.
3. It can help you sleep
The hormones that are released during sex, particularly orgasms, are conducive to sleep. Even if you don’t achieve an orgasm, sex can help you fall asleep faster and get a better, more restful snooze than if you just lay there staring at the ceiling all night. Plus, sex can distract you from thinking about other things that might be stressing you out, like work, bills, or your to-do list.
Sex is also a great way to bond with your partner and make your relationship stronger. It’s a great opportunity to talk about your feelings and emotions, which is important in any relationship. If you’re not able to have sex during a cold, there are other ways to stay close with your partner and satisfy each other’s needs. Cuddling, kissing, massaging, and other forms of intimate physical touch are all good options.
Just be sure to practice good sleep hygiene by keeping your bedroom a quiet, dark place for sleeping and not using electronics. You should also try to get the recommended 7-9 hours of sleep a night for adults. If you’re having trouble falling asleep, try a warm bath, a relaxing herbal tea, or a few drops of lavender oil on your pillow. If you’re still struggling to fall asleep, consider talking with your doctor. They can offer advice on how to improve your sleep and recommend other treatment options if necessary.
4. It can help you relax
During an orgasm, your body releases the hormones oxytocin and endorphins. These help to calm the mind and relax the body. In addition, an orgasm also reduces pain. According to a study published in Cephalalgia, volunteers who inhaled oxytocin vapor and had their fingers pricked experienced half the pain of those who did not inhale oxytocin. Moreover, orgasms can relieve sinus headaches. In fact, sex can be an effective migraine treatment for some people.
Having sex may temporarily alleviate your symptoms, but it won’t cure you or shorten the length of your illness. Additionally, it’s important to remember that you could transfer germs to your partner during sex. This is particularly true of oral sex.
If you’re suffering from a cold or flu, it’s best to avoid sex until your condition has passed. However, if you and your partner want to remain intimate, you can do so in non-sexual ways that will still provide intimacy and satisfaction for both of you. This might include doing things like cuddling, reading a book together or having a drink together. It’s also important to communicate with your partner about your expectations and preferences during this time. This will make it easier to manage expectations during sex when you’re sick. Also, be sure to use a condom during oral sex. This will reduce the risk of transmitting the cold or flu virus through bodily fluids.
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