Does Cold Medicine Affect Sexual Performance? Urology Concerns

After taking cold medicine..?

Having had sexual intercourse with my girlfriend only a few times, I lack experience and often ejaculate within a few seconds.
A few days ago, I had a headache and took a full dose of Tylenol.
When I had sex with my girlfriend, it lasted over 20 minutes before I ejaculated.
The next day, she mentioned that her lower body was in pain.
Doctor, did I hurt her? Also, why did taking cold medicine make me last longer?

Caoyuan, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2005/10/22

Dr. Xu Weikai reply Urology

Hello, I believe your girlfriend's pain may be due to prolonged sexual activity, combined with both of your inexperience, insufficient lubrication, or inadequate vaginal relaxation, which can lead to localized soreness.
If there are no tears, it should improve in a few days.
Some over-the-counter cold medications contain substances that affect the nervous and vascular systems, which can impact sexual function and sometimes lead to difficulties such as an inability to ejaculate.

Sincerely,
Dr.
Hsu Wei-Kai
Director of Urology, Taitung Hospital, Department of Health, Executive Yuan

Reply Date: 2005/10/22

More Info

Cold medicine can indeed have an impact on sexual performance, although the effects can vary depending on the specific medication and the individual. Many over-the-counter cold medications contain ingredients such as antihistamines, decongestants, and pain relievers, which can influence sexual function in different ways.

Antihistamines, commonly found in cold medications, can lead to dryness in various mucous membranes, including the genital area. This dryness can cause discomfort during sexual activity, potentially leading to pain for both partners. Additionally, antihistamines may have sedative effects, which can reduce libido or sexual arousal. Decongestants, on the other hand, can constrict blood vessels, which might affect blood flow to the genital area and could potentially lead to difficulties in achieving or maintaining an erection.

In your case, it seems that after taking a cold medication, you experienced an increase in stamina during sexual activity, lasting longer than usual. This could be attributed to several factors, including the medication's sedative effects, which might have reduced anxiety or performance pressure, allowing you to last longer. However, it is essential to note that this is not a guaranteed effect and can vary from person to person.

Regarding your girlfriend's discomfort after sexual activity, it is possible that the prolonged duration of intercourse, combined with any dryness caused by the antihistamines, could have led to irritation or soreness. It is crucial to ensure that both partners are adequately aroused and lubricated during sexual activity to minimize discomfort. If your girlfriend continues to experience pain or discomfort, it would be advisable for her to consult a healthcare professional to rule out any underlying issues.

As for your concerns about whether you "hurt" her, it is unlikely that you caused any significant injury, especially if there was no bleeding or severe pain reported. However, if discomfort persists, it is essential to seek medical advice to ensure there are no injuries or infections.

In summary, while cold medicine can affect sexual performance and experience, the effects can vary widely. If you find that your sexual performance continues to fluctuate significantly with medication use, it may be worth discussing with a healthcare provider. They can help you understand the specific medications you are taking and their potential side effects on sexual health. Additionally, if you or your girlfriend have ongoing concerns about sexual performance or discomfort, seeking professional advice is always a good step to ensure both physical and emotional well-being.

Similar Q&A

Does a Cold Affect Sexual Function? Understanding the Connection

I have been experiencing a cold for about 1 to 2 weeks. My symptoms include wheezing, coughing, phlegm in my throat, and nasal congestion with runny nose. I have been taking medications related to these symptoms. I would like to know if taking these medications could affect my se...

Dr. Fu Shizhang reply Urology
Common cold medications do not typically cause this, but when experiencing a cold, the body is in a state of discomfort due to infection, which may have an impact.

Does Cold Medicine Affect the Effectiveness of Cialis?

Hello Doctor: I am currently taking Cialis 5mg. I have been taking medication (antibiotics) for a cold these past few days, and I feel that my erections are not as firm and lasting. Can cold medication affect the effectiveness of Cialis?

Dr. Xu Weikai reply Urology
Mr. Wang: Hello, being ill can inherently weaken the body, which may affect erectile function. Additionally, antihistamines and gastrointestinal medications may cause some drug interactions. Whether this will impact the effectiveness of Cialis may depend on individual physiology ...

Does Cold Medication Affect STD Test Results?

If you have a cold and a sore throat and visit an otolaryngologist, taking the medication prescribed by the doctor, will having blood drawn or a urine test to check for sexually transmitted infections (such as Chlamydia) affect the accuracy of the test results? Thank you!

Dr. Xu Weikai reply Urology
Hello, under normal circumstances, it should not have any impact unless there are specific medications involved. If there are any unclear points, feel free to ask again, and we can discuss and research further. This response is from Dr. Hsu Wei-Kai, Director of Urology, Taitung H...

Understanding the Impact of Psychiatric Medications on Sexual Desire

Hello Doctor, I am currently taking psychiatric medications, specifically Fluphenazine and Risperidone. Previously, I was also taking Benztropine to alleviate the muscle stiffness side effects of Risperidone, but I stopped Benztropine due to feeling physically weak. I have reduce...

Dr. Du Shixi reply Urology
Hello: You can go to the urology department for examination and testing. As for whether the medication has an impact, it's difficult to say; there is limited statistical data, but there are still individuals who may experience effects. It is advisable to discuss with your ph...