Can Allergies Cause ED? How They Impact Your Sex Life

Published: 2025-10-21

Updated: 2025-10-21

4 mins

When you begin to get a runny nose or watery eyes, it may be the first sign that you’re getting sick. ED (erectile dysfunction) may not be the first thing you think of, but some studies have linked allergic rhinitis to erectile dysfunction. 

ED is the inability to get or maintain an erection. There’s no single cause of ED. Some men may experience ED if they’re depressed, anxious, or taking certain medications. Even something as common as seasonal allergies may trigger ED in some men. 

If you have severe allergies, your risk of developing mild to moderate ED when your allergies flare may be slightly higher. Common allergy symptoms are the immune system’s way of responding to potentially harmful substances. The immune system releases chemicals like histamine to protect the body from harm.

What are Common Allergy Symptoms?

Allergy symptoms occur from a buildup of inflammation. Having allergy symptoms in the middle of the way can make you feel uncomfortable and more fatigued. You may experience the following common allergy symptoms if you have seasonal allergies or come into contact with an allergen:

• Runny nose

• Itchy eyes

• Nasal congestion

• Throat irritation

Can Seasonal Allergies Affect ED?

A buildup of inflammation from allergies can affect more than just your sinuses. When your body has an allergic reaction, inflammatory chemicals can float in different parts of the body. Seasonal allergies may affect erectile function, but cases of it happening are rare.

In some cases, inflammatory chemicals can potentially constrict blood vessels. Blood vessels in the penis can also be affected. A lack of blood flow to the penis is one of the main characteristics of ED.

Can Allergic Reactions Cause ED?

Pollen, dust mites, and certain foods are some of the most common allergens. Constantly coming into contact with an allergen can easily induce allergy symptoms. If you notice ED symptoms along with ED every time your allergies flare up, consult a licensed healthcare provider.

Can Allergy Medications Affect Erectile Function?

Antihistamines and decongestants for allergy treatment can be easily purchased OTC. Antihistamines come in different forms, such as a pill, eye drops, or nasal sprays. However, in some cases, taking certain medications may affect erectile function. This may make it appear as if your allergies are causing ED, when it could be a potential side effect of the medication.

You may see the following allergy medications at your local pharmacy:

• Fexofenadine (Allegra)

• Cetirizine (Zyrtec)

• Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)

• Loratadine (Claritin)

For more severe allergies, a healthcare provider may prescribe the following medications:

• Azelastine ophthalmic (Optivar)

• Epinastine ophthalmic (Elestat)

• Olopatadine ophthalmic (Patanol)

• Desloratadine (Clarinex) 

• Azelastine nasal (Astelin) 

While these medications can’t treat ED directly, getting your allergies under control may reduce your ED symptoms. However, it’s important to check with a healthcare provider to know for sure if your ED symptoms are connected to your allergies.

Methods to Prevent Allergy-Related ED

There are multiple ways you can make your home more allergy-proof. Consider making the following changes in your home for more allergy protection:

• Use an air purifier in your home

• Regularly wash fabrics and bedding

• Keep windows closed during high pollen seasons

• Dust surfaces regularly 

• Eat more anti-inflammatory foods

• Monitor pollen count

The best way to know how to manage allergy symptoms better is to identify the allergen affecting you. In some cases, a healthcare provider may recommend getting an allergy test.

Where Can I Learn More About ED Treatment?

Needing ED treatment can be difficult to talk about with loved ones or a licensed healthcare provider. Rex MD offers various affordable options for ED medications to be sent directly to your door. Medications like Viagra (sildenafil) and Cialis (tadalafil) help to promote blood flow to the penis for full erections that last longer.

Get started today by taking control of your sexual health.