the Link Between Masturbation and Asthma Attacks

Causes of asthma

Hello, Doctor.
I have had asthma since I was one and a half years old.
I was hospitalized several times during elementary school due to asthma attacks.
Now that I am nineteen, my condition has improved significantly over the past few years.
I rarely experience asthma attacks, regardless of cold weather, colds, or intense exercise.
However, there is one activity that seems to trigger severe asthma attacks after I sleep or the next day, and that is masturbation.
I do not have a girlfriend, but to be honest, I feel that my frequency of relieving my physiological needs is not excessive, averaging about three times a week, sometimes twice in two consecutive days.
I have searched extensively online and found that masturbation is generally considered safe and does not mention any connection between masturbation and congenital allergic bronchial asthma.
Initially, I suspected that something else might be causing my asthma attacks, not masturbation.
However, over the years, I have noticed that after I masturbate and experience orgasm, my airways quickly become dry and feel inflamed (within 10 minutes to 1 hour).
My lung capacity noticeably decreases, and I need to use an L-shaped gray bronchodilator to regain control.
I thought this might be related to ejaculation, so I later tried to focus on achieving pleasure without ejaculating.
On those days, my lungs indeed felt less affected.
However, the next day, after waking up or taking a nap, my lungs, which felt healthy, would start wheezing, and I would experience bronchospasms, requiring medication to manage.
This has been very distressing for me.
I have tried to engage in other activities to distract myself from these urges, but occasionally, when I cannot resist and do experience pleasure or ejaculation, my asthma flares up and can last for two to three days, making it difficult for me to work.
I would like to ask the doctor if there is any evidence that masturbation can lead to asthma attacks.
Alternatively, what can I do to avoid putting a heavy burden on my lungs due to my instinctual needs? Thank you! Note: I do not usually trigger asthma during intense exercise, heightened emotions, or excitement; only masturbation seems to cause significant bronchial inflammation.

Niming, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2005/02/04

Dr. Jian Linzhen reply Pulmonology

Based on your symptoms, it appears to be typical asthma.
The most common triggers for asthma include dust mites, while other triggers can include indoor and outdoor air pollutants, changes in environmental temperature or humidity, exercise, cold air, and intense emotional fluctuations.
Treatment for asthma should focus on adjusting the living environment and managing emotions.
A thorough literature search did not find any correlation between asthma and ejaculation during masturbation.
The author speculates that it may be related to emotional or hormonal changes following ejaculation.
It is recommended to consult the website http://www.chest.org.tw/ for assistance.

Reply Date: 2005/02/04

More Info

Masturbation is a natural and common behavior that many individuals engage in, and it is generally considered to be a normal part of human sexuality. However, your experience of asthma attacks following masturbation raises important questions about the potential physiological and psychological connections between the two.

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways that can be triggered by various factors, including allergens, respiratory infections, exercise, and emotional stress. The symptoms of asthma can include wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. In your case, it seems that the act of masturbation may be associated with a specific trigger for your asthma symptoms.

While there is limited scientific literature directly linking masturbation to asthma attacks, several factors could potentially explain your experience:
1. Physiological Response: Sexual arousal and orgasm can lead to various physiological changes in the body, including increased heart rate, changes in blood pressure, and alterations in breathing patterns. For some individuals, these changes may inadvertently trigger asthma symptoms, especially if the airways are already sensitive or inflamed.

2. Hyperventilation: During sexual arousal or orgasm, some individuals may hyperventilate, which can lead to a decrease in carbon dioxide levels in the blood. This can cause a range of symptoms, including lightheadedness and potentially bronchospasm in individuals with asthma.

3. Psychological Factors: Anxiety and stress can exacerbate asthma symptoms. If you have anxiety related to sexual activity or concerns about your asthma, this could contribute to a cycle where the act of masturbation leads to anxiety, which in turn triggers asthma symptoms.

4. Post-Orgasmic Illness Syndrome (POIS): Although rare, some individuals experience flu-like symptoms after ejaculation, which can include fatigue, muscle pain, and respiratory issues. This condition is not well understood, but it may be worth discussing with a healthcare provider.

5. Environmental Factors: Consider if there are any environmental factors that coincide with your masturbation sessions. For example, if you are in a specific location or using certain materials (like lubricants or condoms) that could trigger your asthma, this could be a contributing factor.

Given your history of asthma and the specific nature of your symptoms, it is crucial to approach this issue with caution. Here are some recommendations:
- Consult a Healthcare Provider: It is essential to discuss your symptoms with a healthcare professional, preferably one who specializes in asthma or respiratory conditions. They can help assess your asthma management plan and determine if any adjustments are needed.

- Monitor Triggers: Keep a diary of your activities, including instances of masturbation, and note any asthma symptoms that follow. This can help identify patterns and potential triggers.

- Breathing Techniques: Practice relaxation and breathing techniques that can help manage anxiety and improve your overall respiratory function. Techniques such as diaphragmatic breathing or pursed-lip breathing may be beneficial.

- Medication Review: Ensure that your asthma medications are optimized. If you find that your symptoms are worsening, your healthcare provider may need to adjust your treatment plan.

- Explore Alternatives: If masturbation is consistently triggering your asthma, consider exploring other ways to manage your sexual health and desires that may not provoke your symptoms.

In conclusion, while there is no definitive evidence linking masturbation directly to asthma attacks, the physiological and psychological responses associated with sexual activity could potentially play a role in your experience. It is essential to work closely with a healthcare provider to address your asthma management and explore any underlying factors contributing to your symptoms.

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