Sick Hornies

I have a sore throat, runny nose, body ache and an uncontrollable urge to masturbate.

Why Do We Get Horny When We’re Sick?

So I did what any sick person with weird symptoms does. I googled it. Thankfully, I wasn’t alone and I wasn’t weird (At least in this case). 

There are articles, personal anecdotes and countless reddit threads about people discussing how they get the “Sick Hornies” and are equally baffled by their body every time.

It seems counterintuitive—your body is fighting an infection, yet your libido spikes. 

You might find yourself craving intimacy, masturbating more, or even seeking sex, despite feeling physically drained. 

So, what’s going on here?

Fever and Increased Blood Flow

A common change during illness is the increase in body temperature and blood flow. When you have a fever, your blood vessels dilate, increasing circulation throughout the body—including to your genitals.

This can lead to heightened sensitivity and arousal, making you more aware of sexual urges.

Relief from blocked nose

I also noticed every time I orgasmed or masturbated I got instant relief from my stuffed nose.

Research has shown that, not only can sex help clear a stuffy nose temporarily, it can also result in the production of higher levels of Immunoglobin A (IgA), a hormone that improves the immune system generally.

Release the dopamine

When we’re sick, our bodies release neurotransmitters like dopamine to counteract discomfort and fatigue.

Dopamine is a key player in pleasure and reward systems, which can lead to an increased desire for activities that bring comfort—such as eating, sleeping, or engaging in sexual activity.

Oxytocin and the Pleasure Response

Orgasms trigger the release of endorphins and oxytocin, which help reduce stress, elevate mood, and even relieve pain. 

Oxytocin, known as the "love hormone," promotes relaxation and emotional bonding, which can enhance feelings of comfort and well-being.

Stress and the Cortisol-Sex Drive Connection

Illness often puts the body under stress, triggering the release of cortisol, the stress hormone. While high cortisol levels can suppress libido in the long run, short-term stress can sometimes have the opposite effect.

Your brain may seek out pleasurable distractions, and sex or masturbation can provide temporary relief from discomfort.

The Immune System’s Survival Tactic

Some researchers speculate that sexual activity when sick may be an evolutionary response. 

Orgasms have been linked to temporary boosts in immune function, including the release of endorphins and increased production of infection-fighting cells.

"Sex can charge the immune system and the central nervous system, so there may be something innately biological. Sexual desire raises cytokines and lymphocytes, which, biologically speaking, can also regulate the immune response. All of this can help our bodies recover."

-Debra Laino, D.H.S., M.Ed., clinical sexologist.

The Need for Comfort and Connection

Beyond biology, feeling sick can make you crave emotional closeness and physical touch. Sex and masturbation can provide comfort and a sense of intimacy that helps offset feelings of vulnerability.

Psychologist Dr. Julia Kogan notes that stress and illness often trigger emotional needs, making pleasure-seeking behavior more common.

Should You Have Sex When You’re Sick?

Masturbation is a safe way to satisfy urges without spreading illness, but if you're contagious, sex with a partner poses risks.

It's best to wait until you recover, but if both partners are comfortable and take precautions, intimacy is fine—as long as it doesn’t drain your energy.

While getting horny when sick may seem strange, it’s actually a natural response driven by increased blood flow, dopamine release, stress relief, and even potential immune benefits.

Whether you choose to act on these urges is up to you, but rest assured—it’s completely normal to feel this way.

Just remember not to mix up the tissues.