As a chronic breathing condition, asthma can affect the ability of individuals to perform at their best physically. That, of course, does not just mean in terms of walking or running but also in their sex life.
The disease is caused by inflammation in the airways that take air to and from the lungs, causing symptoms of breathlessness, tightness in the chest, wheezing and coughing. Any physical exertion can exacerbate those symptoms and increase the risk of a more serious asthma attack.
If you or your partner has asthma, an asthma attack (or even the threat of one) in the middle of an amorous moment will certainly pour cold water on any ardour in the boudoir. So how can you cope with asthma and still maintain a healthy sex life? Here are some tips.
First things first – ensure your bedroom is conducive to healthy breathing by changing your bed linen regularly. Invest in hypoallergenic pillows and a duvet to reduce further the risk of dust mites and other asthma allergens.
Keep the room well ventilated and try to avoid alcohol before bed. Smoking should a no-no for asthma sufferers anyway so forget about any post-coital ciggie.
Talk frankly to your doctor about managing your sex life with asthma – it’s nothing to be embarrassed about and it will improve both your mental and physical wellbeing to be able to have a good sex life with your partner. Your GP can advise you on the right use of the bronchodilators that relax the muscles in the airways to aid breathing.
When it comes to the physical act itself, you should find positions that don’t put pressure on your chest so consider being on top and make sure you are always able to breathe deeply when necessary.
And you can get inventive about your love-making, trying different ways of finding pleasure and satisfying your partner that don’t have to involve energetic movements. Use a peak-flow meter to identify what time of day your lung capacity is functioning best and try to plan your love-making around that – it’s hardly the stuff of romance but if it allows you to have a more fulfilled and safe love life, it’ll be well worth the effort.
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