Gateway Reporter

• Men who suffer from chronic sinusitis are at an increased risk of experiencing erectile dysfunction.

• Taking cold medication to treat sinusitis can also contribute to erectile dysfunction.

• A surgical treatment option can resolve both sinusitis and its side effects.

Chronic sinusitis is an ailment that affects millions of people nationwide, and one of the potential side effects is erectile dysfunction in men.

Erectile dysfunction affects about 5% of men across the nation, according to Scientific Reports: Nature Research. The definition of erectile dysfunction is “the inability to attain and maintain an erection of sufficient quality to permit satisfactory sexual intercourse.”

Dr. Manish Khanna of Capitol Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers says that side effects like snoring can negatively affect patients’ sex lives. For male patients, erectile dysfunction is what he called an unfortunate side effect of chronic sinusitis.

“Time and time again, on a daily basis, partners are being kicked out for noisy breathing, whether it's snoring or just a lot of coughing and (throat clearing),” Khanna told the Gateway Reporter. “Partners are getting removed from bedrooms because of that, so that certainly can affect sex life.”

A study of data from more than 1 million people from Taiwan’s National Health Insurance Research Database found that chronic sinusitis is associated with an increased risk of erectile dysfunction. Treating the sinusitis, however, decreased erectile dysfunction in patients dramatically, according to the study.

Yahoo! Sports reported that men suffering from from chronic sinusitis are up to 50% more likely to be impotent compared to men who do not suffer from sinusitis. This was based on a report from Kaohsiung University in Taiwan. When sinusitis inflames the lining of the sinuses, it causes the blood vessels in men’s genitals to restrict blood flow.

Medications like Sudafed and other cold medications can cause erectile dysfunctions as well, according to Men’s Journal.

People who suffer from chronic sinusitis have several surgical treatment options, including endoscopy and balloon sinuplasty, WebMD reported.

Endoscopy is a common procedure where doctors insert thin, flexible instruments called endoscopes into the nose. One instrument has a small camera lens attached that sends images back to a screen, allowing the doctor to see where the blockage is. This helps them guide other instruments to remove polyps, scar tissue and other blockages.

Because doctors don't cut into the skin, recovery is relatively fast and easy. The procedure is normally performed with local anesthetic, keeping the patient awake while numbing the area.

Balloon sinuplasty is a good treatment option for patients as well. A doctor inserts a thin tube into the patient's nose with a small balloon attached. It is then guided into the area and inflated. The balloon will clear the passageway so the sinuses can be drained and alleviate congestion.

To learn more about the symptoms of sinusitis and allergies, take this Sinus Self-Assessment Quiz.