Is It Safe To Take Ibuprofen Before Having Sex? Here's What We Know

Sex is most enjoyable when you aren't experiencing any aches and pains while engaging in it. Although the hormones that are released during sex, like oxytocin, act as natural painkillers, depending on the severity of those aforementioned pains, you may feel the need to take something else. If you're one of the 58 million people living with arthritis in the U.S., according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, that "something else" is an over-the-counter pain reliever.

While reaching for ibuprofen before sex may be second nature, it's something you may want to consider getting out of the habit of doing. It's easy to classify ibuprofen as harmless because it's so easily accessible, but things are actually a bit more nuanced — especially if you have a penis. "Ibuprofen does not come without its side effects, including erectile dysfunction [and] not to mention high blood pressure, ulcers, headaches, and kidney problems," Holistic Functional Board Certified Orthopedic Spine Surgeon Dr. Hooman Melamed exclusively tells Health Digest. 

According to a 2011 study published in the Journal of Urology, among the 23,215 participants who reported "moderate or severe erectile dysfunction," 13,240 (around 57%) were regular nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) users. In addition, men who experienced ED and reported that they were "exposed to NSAIDs" outnumbered those who were "unexposed."

Data suggest that as a culture, we've become somewhat reliant on popping a pill for just about everything under the sun. According to ChemAnalyst, North America has the highest consumption of ibuprofen in the world, which suggests a need for more serious consideration of the possible side effects that come with taking it. With that said, it's important to realize that you have other ways to manage pain, especially if you're not afraid to make lifestyle changes.

"If possible, try a non-medicinal approach to alleviate arthritis symptoms," says Dr. Hooman Melamed. "You can start by losing any excess weight you're carrying." Dr. Melamed suggests doing so by sticking to a mostly plant-based diet. This doesn't mean going vegan, but eating more vegetables than you may be eating now. Also, staying active with exercises that are gentle on the joints, like water aerobics, yoga, swimming, and strength training, are good (and healthy) ways to stave off pain. "Occasional use of ibuprofen is okay, but don't rely on it when there are other options."

If you've made the necessary changes to your life but still feel the need to take an ibuprofen or two from time to time before sex, then you want to be wise about it. "Allow one hour [for it] to take effect before sexual activity," according to Dr. Hooman Melamed. However, he strongly advises that people with penises not take it all. "I would avoid taking it at all altogether if you want to enjoy a consistent, healthy sex life," he says.

While erectile dysfunction may feel like the biggest possible concern related to taking ibuprofen, other possible side effects such as high blood pressure and kidney problems should be taken just as seriously. As should the less daunting issues, because they may prevent you from even wanting to have sex at all: For example, abdominal pain, a sour stomach, or diarrhea wouldn't exactly put anyone in the mood for sex.