Some people experience post-coital dysphoria, feelings of sadness or irritability after sex. This can be caused by many factors such as hormone levels, stress, anxiety, depression, medication, relationship issues, trauma, low self-esteem, or unrealistic expectations. Symptoms include crying, feeling guilty, shame, regret, fear, anger, disappointment, emptiness, loneliness, dissatisfaction, boredom, restlessness, confusion, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, muscle aches, sweating, chills, diarrhea, loss of appetite, insomnia, nightmares, panic attacks, and suicidal thoughts. Treatments include cognitive behavioral therapy, psychotherapy, antidepressants, anti-anxiety drugs, mindfulness meditation, exercise, relaxation techniques, journaling, yoga, acupuncture, massage, herbal remedies, supplements, healthy eating, sleep routines, support groups, and medication adjustments. It's important to talk openly about sexual desires, needs, preferences, boundaries, communication, consent, safety, pleasure, satisfaction, trust, intimacy, vulnerability, emotions, and problems with partners and professionals. Seek help if needed from qualified doctors, counselors, therapists, or organizations. Acknowledge that every person is unique, has different experiences, beliefs, values, and challenges, and deserves respect, kindness, compassion, understanding, empathy, and care.
Post coital dysphoria, also known as postcoital tristesse, is a type of distress or sadness experienced by some people after having sex. The exact cause of this condition is not yet clear but it is believed to be related to hormone levels, stress, anxiety, depression, medications taken for these conditions, relationship issues, trauma, low self esteem, unrealistic expectations and the release of endorphins which leads to feeling down after orgasm. People may experience symptoms such as crying, guilt, shame, regret, fear, anger, disappointment, emptiness, loneliness, dissatisfaction, boredom, restlessness, confusion, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, muscle aches, sweating, chills, diarrhea, loss of appetite, insomnia, nightmares, panic attacks and even suicidal thoughts (Kirschner & Brody, 2018). Treatment options include cognitive behavioural therapy, psychotherapy, antidepressants, anti-anxiety drugs, mindfulness meditation, exercise, relaxation techniques, journaling, yoga, acupuncture, massage, herbal remedies, supplements, healthy eating, sleep routines, support groups and medication adjustments. It's important to talk openly about sexual desires, needs, preferences, boundaries, communication, consent, safety, pleasure, satisfaction, trust, intimacy, vulnerability, emotions and problems with partners and professionals. Seek help if needed from qualified doctors, counselors, therapists or organizations. Remember that every person is unique and has different experiences, beliefs, values and challenges and deserves respect, kindness, compassion, understanding and care.