Post Sex Depression

Ever felt sad or depressed after engaging in sexual intercourse?

It may sound surprising but post sex depression is a real phenomenon. It is imperative to mention that being upset after an unsatisfactory or unsatisfying sexual encounter is very much normal. But what if you become sad and upset after a session of passionate lovemaking? Let’s discuss further to learn what is post-sex depression.

What Is Post-Sex Depression?

Post sex depression is when a woman feel depressed, dejected or unhappy after having a pleasing sexual encounter with her partner! This condition is also known as post-coital dysphoria or negative postcoital emotions (NPE). According to a latest research conducted by Australian researchers, post sex depression affects more than 10% females globally. According to another study, about 46% respondents reported that they have experienced negative emotions at least once in their lifetime after an otherwise satisfying sexual encounter. In the same study, about 5.4% respondents reported recurrent and frequent episodes of post coital depression (2)

Post sex depression is characterized by following symptoms after sexual intercourse:

• Feeling of being troubled
• Repentance
• Sadness or despair
• Anxiety and grouchiness

Post sex depression is reported in both men and women, regardless of age. Sometimes people also feel depressed after masturbating.

What Causes Post Sex Depression?

The exact pathophysiology of post coital depression is not known; but it is believed that most cases are due to emotional or psychosocial factors. For example, people who are very much influenced by the religious values may feel sad or ashamed after engaging in a casual (non-marital) sexual encounter with their partner. Other causes are:

• Some people who are brought up in a conservative environment may also experience mixed feelings about having sex which ultimately leads to feeling of guilt and regret. This factor is more common in people who are hooked on sex.
• Personal issues can also make you sad after having sex. This includes, issues with your partner, low self-esteem or anxiety about your work.

Although, there is no statistical research to prove the biochemical theory yet, but investigators propose that certain changes in hormones after an orgasm may induce post sex blues. The same hormonal shift is also responsible for post sex headaches and migraine attacks.

How To Manage Post Sex Depression?

If sadness strikes you after sex, try figuring out what is bothering you and from where these negative vibes are coming? One should not ignore these negative thoughts and should discuss this with their partner. If it is hard to fight off these feelings or are unable to find out the exact cause, consulting a sex therapist or a counselor will be beneficial.

References

• Schweitzer, R. D., O'Brien, J., & Burri, A. (2015). Postcoital Dysphoria: Prevalence and Psychological Correlates. Sexual medicine, 3(4), 235-243.
• Fernandes, H. B., Kennair, L. E. O., Hutz, C. S., Natividade, J. C., & Kruger, D. J. (2015). Are Negative Postcoital Emotions a Product of Evolutionary Adaptation? Multinational Relationships With Sexual Strategies, Reputation, and Mate Quality.
• Fernandes, H. B., Kennair, L. E. O., Hutz, C. S., Natividade, J. C., & Kruger, D. J. (2015). Are Negative Postcoital Emotions a Product of Evolutionary Adaptation? Multinational Relationships With Sexual Strategies, Reputation, and Mate Quality.