Having trouble with your breathing can affect all areas of your wellbeing. Something as simple as spending time with your family or working on your fitness can be all the more complicated, as your problematic breathing makes it difficult to chase after your kids or exercise properly. Everyday tasks and once-enjoyable activities become a real mountain to climb, and the sheer effort of participating can put you off even trying to do the things you enjoy in the first place. This is no truer than when it comes to your sexual health; sex is good for your wellness, providing many physical, emotional and relational benefits. However, there’s no denying that sex is a tiring activity in the best of circumstances, and problematic breathing can put you right off even trying. But does this mean that sex is off the table forever? Of course not.
No matter what health problem you have, there is always a way in which you can enjoy sex – you just need to know how! When it comes to people with breathing problems, the British Lung Foundation (BLF) has come up with the necessary measures you need to take if you have breathing problems but want to continue to enjoy a healthy sex life (and who doesn’t?!). According to the BLF’s medical director Dr Noemi Eiser, even if you suffer from a lung condition, you do not have to ‘compromise on intimacy. It is important that you talk to your partner about any worries and are open-minded and understanding. Creating a comfortable and trusting environment will prevent stress and shortness of breath.’ Here are a few more sex tips from the leaflet Sex and Breathlessness, which have been recommended for people with breathing problems:
1. Try to Only Have Sex When You Feel Rested: ‘Have sex when you feel rested and your breathing is at its best,’ Sex and Breathlessness recommends. ‘Adequate rest will also take care of any stress you might be having because of your day-to-day life and that is always good for your sex life.’
2. Forcefully Cough Before Sex: Sex and Breathlessness notes, ‘If at all you are going to cough, it is better to do it beforehand. Cough up some phlegm before indulging in sex and it’ll make your chest feel much lighter during the activity.’
3. Avoid Morning Sex: ‘Try and avoid having sex in the morning as that is the time you will be very like to produce more phlegm,’ Sex and Breathlessness says. ‘If at all you feel extremely aroused in the morning, indulge in masturbation or foreplay to release tension.’
4. Avoid Sex After Alcohol or a Heavy Meal: Sex and Breathlessness asserts, ‘Having sex right after a heavy meal or too much alcohol is a bad idea for anyone with breathing problems. Your stomach might feel bloated and your breathing will be weaker than normal. You don’t have to have sex all day, so making a fixed time for sex when you are completely relaxed should be a good idea.’
5. Take a Break: Sex and Breathlessness advises, ‘In case you feel that you’re extremely short of breath during intercourse, just pause and take a few deep breaths to regain composure. You can resume having sex once you feel comfortable again.’
6. Switch Positions: ‘The typical missionary position may exert too much pressure on the chest,’ Sex and Breathlessness explains. ‘You could instead try positions like spooning.’
7. Try Home Remedies: ‘Besides taking these measures, it’ll also be a good idea to address your problems,’ Sex and Breathlessness says. ‘You could try home remedies like mint leaves or pudina to reduce cough and asthma. Besides these, avoiding triggers for asthmatic attacks and eating foods that build your immunity will also help.’