How this common seasonal condition might be ruining your sex life

While many of us will have been counting down to the first day of spring, those who suffer with a certain condition will have been much less enthusiastic about it.

Yesterday (March 20), marked the official first day of spring, and spring usually means one thing — when airborne pollens are at their peak.

Spring isn't always a welcome season when it comes to those with hay fever (Getty Stock)

For those of you who don't have hay fever, you won't notice the difference. But for the 20 percent of the US population who have the seasonal condition, it's likely you'll have been stocking up on tissues and antihistamines for some time now.

Symptoms of hay fever (all known as Allergic Rhinitis) include nasal congestion, sneezing, red or watery eyes, tiredness and trouble breathing, Cleveland Clinic explains.

While hay ever boasts a lot of the same symptoms as a cold, the key difference is suffering with watery and itchy eyes; something that's not typically associated with the common cold.

But hay fever can cause more problems than watery eyes, sneezing and coughing — apparently it can cause issues in the bedroom as some male hay fever-sufferers might find they experience erectile dysfunction (ED) as well.

One of the main differences between a cold and hay fever is experiencing watery eyes (Getty Stock)

Explaining more about hay fever and it's link to ED, Doctor Ashwin Sharma, from the online pharmacy MedExpress, said: "Hay fever is an allergic reaction caused by pollen from plants. It can make your nose, eyes, mouth or throat feel itchy and inflamed. Hay fever can cause symptoms such as sneezing or coughing, a runny or blocked nose, and itchy, red or watery eyes. However, it is this reaction which is also the key connection between allergies and ED.

READ MORE: STUDY SHOWS YOUNG MEN 'MORE LIKELY' TO GET ED IF THEY SUFFER FROM SPECIFIC ISSUE

"The inflammatory response involved in hay fever has been linked to an increased risk of atherosclerosis (the thickening or hardening of the arteries). 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. In fact, medical evidence suggests that those suffering from hay fever appear to be at higher risk of future erectile dysfunction, depending on severity."

Hay fever may negatively impact some people's sex lives (Getty Stock)

With all this in mind, Dr Sharma shared some tips on how to help (both in terms of your sex life and hay fever).

For alleviating hay fever symptoms, the medical professional urges people to frequently wash their bedding, keep windows closed, purchase an air purifier, and use hay fever treatments like nasal sprays.

ED and hay fever wise, Dr Sharma says: "Regular physical exercise not only lowers the risk of erectile dysfunction but can also help reduce inflammation associated with allergies.

"While outdoor activities such as park runs are generally beneficial for both physical and mental health, individuals with hay fever may find indoor exercise more suitable to minimise pollen exposure."

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