Empire State Today

• Chronic sinusitis affects 28.9 million American adults, or 11% of the adult population. 
• Balloon sinuplasty is the procedure most often recommended for people with chronic sinusitis. 
• There are many symptoms associated with chronic sinusitis, including erectile dysfunction.

Studies show that erectile dysfunction is one of many possible symptoms of chronic sinusitis. According to Dr. Joseph Capo of Capo Nose and Sinus Center, there is a direct correlation between sinusitis and a patient’s sex life. 

"When patients aren't sleeping well and are experiencing chronic illness, such as sinusitis or any condition affecting various parts of the body, it often leads to a general loss of libido and reduced sexual activity," Dr. Capo told Empire State Today. "Chronic health issues can have a significant impact on a person's overall well-being, including their sexual health and desire."

Erectile dysfunction, which the National Institutes of Health defines as “the inability to attain and maintain an erection of sufficient quality to permit satisfactory sexual intercourse,” affects approximately 5% of men in the United States, according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). A study using data from more than one million people from Taiwan’s National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD) found that chronic rhinosinusitis can put patients at increased risk for erectile dysfunction. According to the report, treating rhinosinusitis surgically significantly decreased the risk of erectile dysfunction in patients.

Yahoo Sports reported that men who suffer from chronic sinusitis are as much as 50% more likely to be impotent compared to men who do not suffer from sinusitis, citing a report from Kaohsiung University in Taiwan. The study found that when sinusitis inflames the lining of the sinuses, it causes the blood vessels in men's genitals to restrict blood flow.

While some people might turn to medication to try to alleviate their sinus symptoms, medications such as Sudafed or other cold medications can also cause erectile dysfunction, according to Men's Journal.

Erectile dysfunction can be caused by a mix of physical and psychological issues. Often, there are underlying issues associated with erectile dysfunction, and those can be helped by seeing a doctor, according to the Mayo Clinic. 

Dr. Joseph Capo is the founder of Capo Nose and Sinus Center, according to the organization's website. Having concluded a five-year residency in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery at Mount Sinai Hospital in Manhattan, his primary emphasis was on treating individuals with sinus and nasal disorders. He has performed more than 1000 sinus procedures and also carries out septoplasty and Latera nasal valve implant procedures directly in the office.