Hives, known medically as urticaria, is experienced by about one in five of all people of all races and in all countries. But when dealing with one of the outbreak of hives, sex can become uncomfortable to say the least. For some with urticaria, sex is avoided because of embarrassment. For others with hives, sex seems to be the trigger. That is the worst scenario and there are some things you can plan to keep from breaking out in hives. Sex may not be as spontaneous, but at least can be more satisfying and enjoyable

 

How Can Hives, Sex Become Not So Strange Bedfellows?

 

The first thing you should do is talk with your partner ahead of tie about your condition. Let them know what triggers your urticaria. Sex can become more comfortable if you know that your partner at least knows the possibility exists that you may break out in hives or that the sexual activity itself may trigger an outbreak of hives. Sex can certainly be disrupted quickly if the wheals of hives appear and your partner is completely surprised.

  • If there is a medication that you have found controls or prevents your hives, sex should be postponed (if possible) until you have given the medication time to be effective. Of course, the best idea for medication is to take it regularly so you won’t have to postpone anything. No sense ruining the feeling of the moment if you can help it.
  • If you are in your own home, try cooling down the room prior to any activity. Cooler room temperatures will lessen the chances of aggravating your urticaria. Sex and sexual activity raises the body temperature so cooling the room a bit will lessen the chances of an outbreak
  • Some people have a problem with sweating bringing on an outbreak of hives. Sex usually brings about at least a little sweating. Try to pace things a little bit to avoid excessive sweating. This is easier said than done but at least if you think about it ahead of time, you might control the pace a bit. Who knows, it may make the whole experience more pleasurable for the both of you as well.
  • Turn on a ceiling or room fan to try to keep the sweating down, again to try to avoid the hives. Sex in a wind tunnel is no fun, but a little air circulation is more comfortable anyway.

Nobody knows better than you what aggravates your particular urticaria. Sex will be a lot more comfortable if you try to avoid any triggers ahead of time.  Just a little thought will lessen the impact your hives has on your sex lifr.