Evening -
Got an unusual question for you. I am a gastroenterologist, so a fairly decent (I hope) medical knowledge base. Ran across this link doing an ALTA VISTA search on epistaxis.
A friend asked me about nosebleeds occuring during foreplay. I vaguely remember someone telling me about stuffy nose and nasal congestion occuring during sexual arousal.
True or not??
Thanks in advance.
Reply ----------------
A rich network of vasculature courses through the submucosa of the nasal mucous membranes. A significant portion of this vasculature is made up of large venous sinusoids. Arteriovenous anastomoses allow for rapid engorgement of these sinusoids, a process which is largely under neuroendocrine control mediated by the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus is involved in various basal phenomena such as anger, fear, appetite, thirst, etc. as well as sexual activity.
It is possible that epistaxis occuring primarily during sexual activity is related to a physiologic engorgement of nasal mucosal vessels. A short term solution would be topical vasoconstrictors such as oxymetazoline spray or neo-synephrine spray prior to the activity. The potential for rebound and rhinitis medicamentosa would necessitate an alternative approach if there were a need for frequent use of medication (ie daily). In that case I would recommend the use of topical nasal steroids which would require several days to a week of use before they would likely help prevent neuroendocrine related epistaxis.
--
Steve Dankle, MD
Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
Milwaukee, Wis
NOTICE: OFCN is not engaged in the rendering of professional medical services. The information contained on this system or any other OFCN system should not supplant individual professional consultation. It is offered exclusively as a community education service. Advice on individual problems must be obtained directly from a professional.
Click here to review
previous Ear, Nose and Throat Clinic consultations