Is sneezing really similar to an orgasm?
It can be loud, messy, and sometimes likened to sexual climax, but sneezing plays an essential role in maintaining our health and wellbeing. Here’s what you need to know.
Sneezing plays an important role in our health and day-to-day lives by removing irritants such as pollen, dust, smoke, or an infection, from our nose.
In some cases, sneezing can also be a reaction to bright light, although scientists are unsure why.
“We sneeze so particles in our nose don’t get into our lungs and cause infections like pneumonia,” Dr Michael Duff, a training general practitioner who works across a number of Victorian hospitals, says.
“But sometimes, in the case of allergies, this sneezing reflex can be more of a nuisance than a protective mechanism.”
What happens to our bodies when we sneeze?
When an irritant enters our nose, many areas of our body get involved to perform one or multiple sneezes.
“A sneeze is so forceful because there are a lot of muscles involved – the abdominals, diaphragm, chest and throat,” The House of Wellness TV co-host Dr Nick Carr explains.
A good sneeze can expel droplets up to two metres or even more, which is why it’s so important to cover your nose and mouth when you sneeze to stop the spread of germs.
Whenever you feel the need to sneeze, Dr Carr says it’s best to let it happen and absorb the feel-good endorphins it releases, rather than try to hold it in.
“It’s better not to try and hold a sneeze in, because although it’s very rare, if you do, you risk damaging your ear drums or even the delicate vessels in your eyes,” he says.
Is sneezing really similar to an orgasm?
While there isn’t any scientific basis for equating an orgasm to sneezing, there are some ways in which they’re similar, according to Dr Duff.
“Both sneezes and orgasms require stimulation of nerve endings – irritation of the nose lining in sneezing and (most commonly) tactile stimulation of the sex organs in orgasm,” Dr Duff explains.
“They’re both known to release endorphins in the brain, which promote feelings of pleasure and well-being.
“This is why sometimes a good, hard, sloppy sneeze can feel so good.”
What should I do if I can’t stop sneezing?
If you can’t stop sneezing, considering why it’s happening is important.
If you’ve moved in with a new housemate that has a cat, or are around flesh flowers, then you may be having an allergic reaction, according to Dr Duff.
“Taking a hot shower or bath can help moisten the nasal passage to reduce inflammation and soothe irritated nerve endings, while anti-histamines are good for inflammation caused by allergens and a saline nasal spray or nasal decongestant spray can help,” Dr Duff says.
When is sneezing a problem?
Sneezing is generally only a medical problem if accompanied by other symptoms of respiratory infection, such as cough, fever and difficulty breathing.
Dr Duff warns, however, frequent sneezing without cause could be serious.
“Frequent sneezing without explanation could be due to a new allergy, an underlying sinus infection or a neurological condition, so if you haven’t been unable to work out why you have started sneezing a lot all of a sudden, it’s best to book an appointment with your GP,” he says.
Read more:
- How to handle hay fever
- The killer bug doctors warn is on the rise
- Move over Dr Google! Is ChatGPT a reliable go-to for health answers?
Written by Kate Salemme.
