Ask the Sexpert: Sneezy & Size-centric

Dear Shanna,
This might sound slightly weird, but when I get horny, I sneeze a lot. Is this a thing, or am I imagining it? If it helps, I’m a transgender guy, and I do take testosterone shots.

– Can’t Stop Sneezing in Stapleton.

Dear Sneezy,

Surprisingly, a fair amount of people have noticed an increase in sneezes, or at the very least, nose tickles, when they become aroused. Although there haven’t been a large number of in- depth scientific studies around this phenomenon, some folks in the sexual health field have come up with an explanation.

As you get aroused, your blood flows more quickly to your genital region (regardless of your sex or gender), which helps your genital tissue encourage with blood, and better feel pleasure. While that’s happening, the increased movement of blood in the vessels can actually move the small hairs inside your nose. Many people feel nothing. However, some people feel this movement, and that can result in either a sniffly/itchy nose or, in some people, sneezing.

It sounds like you’re part of the latter group. It shouldn’t be a big deal, but if it starts bugging you, just take a tissue or hanky with you when you’re ready to get it on. Best of luck!

Dear Shanna,
I’ve heard that having lots of sex can make you fat. Is this true? And if so, are there types of sex that won’t?

– Size-centric in Glendale.

Dear Size-centric,

You know, I get a lot of questions about sex, and this is the first time I’ve gotten this one. Frequently, I’m asked how many calories you can burn during sex, or if it counts as cardio. Thanks for mixing things up!

It boils down to this: The activity of sex itself (whether oral, anal, vaginal, kinkplay, etc) will not innately make you gain weight. In fact, if you’re having sex fairly regularly, you can definitely build muscles (including your PC muscles) and strengthen your core. It’s true that most personal trainers and weight loss sites don’t include having sex as time spent for cardio training, but really, isn’t an hour of sweaty, sexy-time a lot more fun than spending an hour on a treadmill? Combine time at the gym with your mattress mambo minutes, and you’ll get the most out of your fitness membership.

And honestly, even if having sex results in weight gain (which it doesn’t), would that be a reason to stop having it?

Have fun doing the two-person tango.

Shanna