From the Research
Postcoital dysphoria (PCD) is a condition where individuals experience negative emotions such as sadness, anxiety, irritability, or tearfulness after sexual activity, despite the sex being consensual and even pleasurable, and it is recommended to manage it through open communication, psychological support, and stress reduction techniques, rather than pharmacological intervention, as suggested by the most recent study 1.
Definition and Prevalence
Postcoital dysphoria is characterized by feelings of tearfulness, sadness, and/or irritability after sexual activity, with a prevalence of 46% of people experiencing it at least once, and 3-4% of the population experiencing it regularly 1, 2.
Symptoms and Expression
The symptoms of postcoital dysphoria can vary, with the most common symptoms in women being mood swings and sadness, and in men being unhappiness and low energy 1. The symptoms can occur after consensual sexual intercourse, general sexual activity, or masturbation, and can be present after orgasm 1.
Management and Treatment
The management of postcoital dysphoria focuses on open communication between partners, psychological support, and stress reduction techniques, rather than pharmacological intervention 1, 2. If postcoital dysphoria causes significant distress or relationship problems, consulting with a mental health professional specializing in sexual health may be beneficial.
Causes and Theories
The exact cause of postcoital dysphoria remains unclear, but theories include hormonal fluctuations after orgasm, past trauma resurfacing, relationship issues, or psychological factors like guilt or shame around sexuality 1, 2.
Key Points
- Postcoital dysphoria is a recognized phenomenon affecting a significant portion of the population 1, 2.
- Management focuses on open communication, psychological support, and stress reduction techniques, rather than pharmacological intervention 1, 2.
- The exact cause remains unclear, but theories include hormonal fluctuations, past trauma, relationship issues, or psychological factors 1, 2.