Acid reflux and your sex life

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Post by Master, Doctor Mai Vien Phuong - Gastrointestinal Endoscopy - Department of Medical Examination & Internal Medicine - Vinmec Central Park International General Hospital.
For many people, sex is a physical activity that can trigger GERD symptoms. It can cause heartburn, acid reflux, and shortness of breath before or during sex. This can make sex less enjoyable.

1. Overview

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common health problem associated with increased morbidity and potential complications. GERD symptoms have a wide range of effects from annoying to disabling. Therefore, it has been shown that GERD impairs quality of life due to various troubling symptoms.
Sexual activity is an important determinant of physical, mental, emotional and social well-being. However, most measures of quality of life do not include sex life. Chronic diseases such as diabetes, ischemic heart disease, irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, and liver diseases may be associated with sexual dysfunction due to symptoms or to a feeling of chronic illness. . In terms of cultural and social limitations, the influence of chronic diseases on sex life is usually not considered unless the patient has sexual dysfunction. Sex itself can lead to reflux symptoms due to a change in position or a partner's pressure, especially in women. However, other factors can cause acid reflux symptoms during sex done at night after dinner and sometimes after drinking and smoking, which is bad for you. esophageal epithelium. Furthermore, medications that reduce lower esophageal sphincter pressure such as sildenafil can contribute to acid exposure. On the other hand, the satisfaction of sexual activity can lead to reduced sensation of reflux symptoms and lower pain, ultimately improving quality of life.
For many people, sex is a physical activity that can trigger GERD symptoms. It can cause heartburn, acid reflux, and shortness of breath before or during sex. This can make sex less enjoyable.

2. What is GERD? Symptoms of the disease

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is usually a chronic digestive disorder that causes stomach acid or acidic substances in the stomach to back up into the esophagus.
This is called acid reflux. Reflux occurs due to malfunction of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). The lower esophageal sphincter is a circular muscular tube located between the esophagus and stomach.
When you swallow, the lower esophageal sphincter relaxes and opens to allow liquid food to enter the stomach. Once the food is in the stomach, the lower esophageal sphincter contracts and the opening closes. When the lower esophageal sphincter fails to close completely, stomach acid and fluid can back up into the esophagus.
If you have GERD, you may often experience a sour or bitter taste in your throat and mouth. Other symptoms of GERD include:
Heartburn Bad breath Nausea and vomiting Difficulty swallowing Shortness of breath Over time, damage to the esophagus can lead to serious health problems, such as narrowing of the esophagus, esophageal ulceration or precancerous changes in the esophagus, Barrett esophagus

3. Gastroesophageal reflux and your sex life

Gastroesophageal reflux can make sex life decline. To limit this, you should take some of the following methods:
Before having sex:
You should avoid foods, drugs and drinks that cause GERD symptoms. Do not overeat, snack or wait until your food is fully digested before having sex. Use an antacid, such as Tums or Mylanta. This requires the advice of a doctor. During sex:
During sex, you should be open with your partner about how you feel. If you suspect that you may have a flare-up of GERD symptoms, consider delaying sex. Avoid sex positions that involve lying flat, as this can make GERD symptoms worse. Avoid sex positions that put pressure on the stomach, which can promote stomach acid production and increase the risk of acid reflux. Maintain semi-straight or fully upright sex positions, such as sitting in a chair or standing. Stop having sex if your GERD symptoms start to flare up. Continued exertion can make them worse. After sex:
Assess how you feel by tracking when you experience symptoms during sex and see if those symptoms correspond to any foods, drugs or items any drink that you have used before or not. Report any GERD symptoms you experience during sex to your doctor. They may prescribe over-the-counter antihistamines or acid reflux medications. In short, GERD symptoms can be frustrating and uncomfortable, but you can still manage to have a satisfying sex life. Learning more about triggers can help you avoid GERD symptoms before, during, and after sex.

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References:
Bor S, et al. (2014). Sexual activity does not predispose to reflux episodes in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4245298/ Diet changes for GERD. (2015). aboutgerd.org/site/treatment/lifestyle/diet-changes-gerd Mayo Clinic Staff. (2014). GERD. mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gerd/basics/definition/con-20025201 Symptoms and causes of GER and GERD. (2014). niddk.nih.gov/health-information/health-topics/digestive-diseases/ger-and-gerd-in-adults/Pages/symptoms-causes.aspx Treatment for GER and GERD. (2014). niddk.nih.gov/health-information/health-topics/digestive-diseases/ger-and-gerd-in-adults/Pages/treatment.aspx