Postcoital Dysphoria: Symptoms, Causes And Treatment
Sex is an activity that for the vast majority of people is pleasurable, being a desirable and satisfying experience under normal conditions. In general, we tend to enjoy the entire process and once the interaction is over and we reach orgasm, a feeling of relaxation and satisfaction usually appears.
However, in some people, feelings of sadness and anguish appear after orgasm, and may even appear what is known as postcoital dysphoria or post-coitum depression It is about this concept that we are going to talk about throughout this article.
The syndrome characterized by the presence of sensations and feelings of sadness, melancholy and discomfort after the moment of orgasm is called postcoital dysphoria or post-coital depression. Anguish, feelings of emptiness, restlessness, restlessness and irritability may also appear. Is about a situation that generally appears after having a sexual relationship although it can also appear after masturbation.
Technically, it is considered a sexual dysfunction linked to the resolution phase, being a diagnostic label proposed for research with a view to possible incorporation into different diagnostic classifications. However, the diagnosis would only be possible if the dysphoria appeared in the majority of sexual relations (it would not be a disorder if its appearance was something punctual and sporadic) and as long as it was not explainable by other disorders
It is important to keep in mind that this sensation is not the product of an unsatisfactory sexual relationship, and it may be entirely pleasurable for both parties and desired by the person who feels this dysphoria. Post-coital depression (more of a sadness, not really a depression) usually appears either immediately or shortly after orgasm and usually disappears within minutes although it can even take several days.
This type of syndrome is not new, there have been references to it since ancient times. Although postcoital dysphoria has traditionally been considered to be something specific to women of a certain age, the truth is that it can appear in both sexes and at any age. Apparently it is more common in women, although in general there have been few studies carried out with men in this regard.
Although it is generally a little-recognized syndrome, recent studies show that it is much more common than is believed, with the percentage of affected people varying depending on the study. Additionally, postcoital dysphoria It may not always be present and it is normal for it to appear at specific times sporadically, being only a problem when it occurs consistently over time. In some cases it has been observed that practically half of the participants have acknowledged having suffered from it at some point in their lives.
Symptoms and repercussions
Postcoital dysphoria is, as we have said, something little recognized socially, and it can have repercussions on the sexual life of those who suffer from it. Often His presence is experienced with discomfort and guilt on the part of the person experiencing it, considering that they should feel satisfied and not understanding their own reactions. A possible fear of the existence of relationship conflicts may also develop, or even an avoidance of sexual contact may appear. Furthermore, it is a situation that, as occurs in other sexual dysfunctions, is often hidden and experienced with shame.
Likewise, the sexual partner may feel incompetent or unwanted in the face of his or her partner’s reactions, and real conflicts and other sexual dysfunctions could also appear such as aversion to sex.
Possible causes
Since ancient times, attempts have been made to explain the appearance of sexual dysphoria, both in terms of its specific appearance and its consistent appearance.
One of the theories in this regard refers to the fact that the causes of this alteration are mainly neurochemical: after orgasm, certain hormones are released that counteract those responsible for sexual pleasure, and sadness and low mood may appear as a consequence of this regulation. In this same sense, it has been observed that at a biological level the amygdala (which is linked to anxiety and fear among other emotions) decreases its activity during intercourse, and dysphoria may appear as consequence of the reactivation of this part of the brain
Another theory, which is also compatible with the previous one, indicates that the appearance of postcoital dysphoria may be linked to the influence of a restrictive and religious education, in which the idea of sex and sexual enjoyment and pleasure may have been internalized as something sinful or criminalized.
Another option is derived from the experience of traumatic situations such as childhood sexual abuse or violations, unconsciously associating the enjoyment of a normative and consensual relationship with that experienced during the abusive experience and causing sadness, anguish and even disgust with the current enjoyment.
There are also theories that say that sadness is due to the fact that the emotions of sadness and discomfort are due to the end of the act of union with the partner. There may also be the possibility that the sadness is due to the presence of relationship difficulties or to the consideration that the relationship is based or sustained only on sex.
At the level of the person themselves and their partner, it is recommended that orgasm is not the end of all interaction between the members of the couple, and they can enjoy activities such as caressing or hugging unless this generates discomfort or discomfort for the person with dysphoria. It is about generating a bond after the sexual encounter In any case, if it is something common, it may be useful to consult with a psychologist or a sexologist.
Although it is not common, postcoital dysphoria may require psychological treatment. First of all it is necessary to assess the possible existence of organic alterations In the event that there are traumatic experiences, these could be worked on in consultation. Likewise, the presence of guilt or consideration regarding sex may need to be worked on. In the event that it is necessary or is due to a relationship conflict, it may be useful to use couples therapy and sexual therapy to help.
