Can asthma affect ejaculation?

Chronic diseases across the world have become common. One chronic condition not heavily studied in the sexual health fields is asthma . This is incredibly interesting since those diagnosed with asthma are more likely than other groups to experience challenges involving sex.

Overview and Symptoms of Asthma

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Asthma is a major chronic lung disease that is known for causing symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath and wheezing .

Over 260 million people worldwide have been diagnosed with the disease. Other common symptoms can include experiencing tiredness, insomnia and issues with concentration. On the extreme end, asthma can actually cause death.

Asthma’s Impact on Sexual Health

Not surprisingly, like other serious chronic conditions, asthma has the ability to severely impact one's sexual quality of life . Although there is a lack of substantial studies to explore the cause of asthma on the quality of one’s sex life, it has been discovered that men with asthma may experience erectile dysfunction .

According to a study conducted in 2017, there is a link between sexual problems and poor asthma control. This is especially significant because the vast majority of asthma cases are considered to be undertreated and undiagnosed. These two conditions make it much more likely that men with asthma may experience sexual difficulties and dysfunction .

Furthermore, those who have more complicated and severe cases of asthma, are more likely to experience erectile dysfunction.

Side Effects of Asthma Medication

Another relevant problem includes sexual challenges caused by medication side effects . For example, corticosteroids remain a popular choice for treating asthma and other chronic diseases.

Corticosteroids and Testosterone Levels 

These particular medications can result in lower levels of testosterone which has been found to impact male sexual desire. Lower testosterone can also increase depressive symptoms and irritability , both of which can significantly impair one's quality of life.

These two symptoms can also hinder the quality of a person’s romantic relationship. For example couples who report higher levels of irritability and negative emotions in general might become more prone to engage in destructive forms of conflict and communication with one another.

 
Physical Changes and Body Image  

Furthermore, some other effects caused by medications used to treat asthma that result in lower levels of testosterone can include a decrease in testicle size . This specific effect can have damaging effects on self esteem. It may also become necessary for someone dealing with this effect to learn new ways to familiarize themselves with their body and learn to appreciate it.

One way to overcome this effect is by working to not compare the function of your body pre- lowered testosterone levels to how your body functions post testosterone level changes. It is important to ensure you surround yourself with trusted individuals you can speak to about your challenges.

You can consult a professional if necessary. One trusted individual you should be able to speak to is your romantic partner. It’s much easier to not compare your body when you are with someone who is able to uphold this same standard when discussing your body.

One other effect that can be caused by lowered testosterone levels is a decrease in sperm. A decrease can make it more difficult to conceive if this is a relevant concern for you and your partner. In such cases it may be relevant to seek out medical professionals for support.

 
Intimacy Challenges  

Another major effect caused by medications used to treat asthma is lowered self esteem. Although this isn’t a direct effect it can be the result of having to navigate unpleasant or unexpected changes to your body . Furthermore, you may feel dissatisfied having to navigate erectile dysfunction and feel less worthy than other men who don’t have the same challenge.

It may also feel increasingly difficult to relax during sex and enjoy the moment when you are focused on what your body “can’t do". You may also struggle to orgasm during sex.

One of the most difficult aspects reported by men with asthma is the difficulty of asthma attacks hindering sexual activity . For example. sex can cause an increase in heart rate which is associated with encouraging asthma symptoms.

It is also possible you could present with difficulty staying present during sex and focusing on the physical sensations you feel.

Strategies to overcome asthma related sexual disruptions 

If you find yourself struggling with asthma related symptoms while engaging in sex with a partner, it can be a good idea to take a quick break . It’s okay to take whatever time you need to recollect yourself. If taking a break means stopping completely and not continuing sex until perhaps even hours later, that is okay.

Take what you need to center yourself before focusing on anything else. A supportive partner will understand this need and respect your boundaries . (Yes men can and should have healthy sexual boundaries too).

Communication and Boundaries 

Practicing this for the first might feel uncomfortable at first which is normal. It can be expected at times to feel uncertain about the future especially when something major disrupts your sexual quality of life.

It might be a good practice to be direct and tell your partner before engaging in sexual activity that you may require a few moments to break during sex when disruptive symptoms arise.

Don’t give up though. It is still possible for you to have a fulfilling sex life again. A fulfilling sex life however may only become possible if you’re able to remain flexible with how you approach sex and deal with challenges as they present themselves.

It can understandably feel discouraging if you experience low self esteem or struggle with erectile dysfunction. Don’t allow your thoughts to get the best of you . When you feel depressed, it can be easy to have thoughts that you aren’t a worthy enough partner for your spouse or that your spouse will be dissatisfied with you sexually due to the challenges that you are experiencing.

Don’t allow these thoughts to consume your mind. Just because you think something doesn’t mean it is true. And even if you do discover both you and your partner are unhappy, there are solutions and tools you can access by connecting with medical and healthcare professionals who can help you get back on the road of having a fulfilling sexual connection.

Sources

Chou, K. T., Huang, C. C., Chen, Y. M., Perng, D. W., Chao, H. S., Chan, W. L., & Leu, H. B. (2011). Asthma and risk of erectile dysfunction--a nationwide population-based study. The journal of sexual medicine, 8(6), 1754–1760. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1743-6109.2011.02242.x

Holmes, L. J., Yorke, J. A., Dutton, C., Fowler, S. J., & Ryan, D. (2019). Sex and intimacy in people with severe asthma: a qualitative study. BMJ open respiratory research, 6(1), e000382. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjresp-2018-000382

Campos, J. M., Villegas, J. R., Gallo, A. P., Malanda, N. M., Rivera, J. L.G.,Sierra, C. P., Salmones, M. G., Galan, C.C., Molina, E.S., Plaza, V., Erquicia, S. P., & Emerging Asthma Group (GEA) of the SEPAR Asthma Area. (2017). Impact of Asthma on the Sexual Functioning of Patients. A Case–Control Study. International Journal of Spanish Respiratory Society of

Pulmonology and Thoracic Surgery, 53 (12), 667-674.

https://doi.org/1 0.1016/j.arbr.2017.10.006

World Health Organization.(2024). Asthma. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/asthma