A bloody nose is never welcome, but there are a few times when it's more problematic than usual, including during sex.
There are a lot of fluids being exchanged, a lot of excitement and heat. It's intense, it's exciting, and a torrent of blood that looks like something out of a Sam Raimi movie is the quickest way to ruin that and put your partner off sex forever.
If you regularly suffer from nosebleeds, you may worry about experiencing a rupture during sex, but while it can happen, it's not as common as you might think.
Can You Get a Nosebleed During Sex?
The exaggerated depiction of nosebleeds during TV shows and movies has created a misconception around nosebleeds, with many believing that they are caused by high blood pressure, stress, and intense exercise. The viral videos that depict epic nosebleeds during strongman competitions and powerlifting events don’t help things.
High blood pressure can indeed cause nosebleeds, but it's rare. The intense pressure can place a great deal of strain on the delicate blood vessels in the nose, causing them to rupture. However, the vast majority of nosebleeds are caused by trauma, nose-picking, and temperature changes.
If you experience a nosebleed during sex, it might be because your blood pressure increased, but it's more likely that the dry air damaged your delicate nasal lining or that your nose took a knock when things were getting heated.
There have also been several cases of bloody noses resulting from the use of drugs designed to treat erectile dysfunction, including some terrifying case studies whereby individuals experienced chronic and prolonged nosebleeds after taking large doses of Viagra and engaging in sexual intercourse.
Recreational drug use can also be a trigger. If you're consuming drugs like cocaine intra-nasally, it'll increase your blood pressure and aggravate your nasal lining, creating a double-whammy that greatly increases the risk of a nosebleed.
Can Viagra Cause Nosebleeds?
As noted above, many reports of nosebleeds during sex occur following the consumption of Viagra and Sildenafil. These drugs might be one of the main reasons why nosebleeds during sex are far more common in men than they are in women.
These drugs work by increasing blood flow to the penis, allowing the user to achieve and sustain an erection. It also causes some side effects, including an erection that lasts for many hours, a runny nose, headaches, and nosebleeds.
What Should You Do If You Get A Nosebleed During Sex?
If your nose bleeds during sex, the first thing you should do is stop! It's not sexy, it's probably not healthy, and it's going to create one hell of a mess.
Insert a Nampon™ into the affected nostril. Pinch the soft part of your nose, lean forward, and hold that position for at least 5 minutes. The blood should clot in that time, at which point the bleeding will stop.
If the bleeding continues for more than 15 minutes and is quite heavy, you should call the emergency services as you may need medical intervention. If you experience nosebleeds regularly, consult with your doctor. Tell them about the frequency of your nosebleeds and make sure you're honest about your drinking, drug use, and the medications that you take.
