Post-orgasmic illness syndrome

Post-orgasmic Illness Syndrome Post-orgasmic illness syndrome (POIS) is a rare and poorly understood condition characterized by a cluster of flu-like symptoms that occur shortly after ejaculation. These symptoms can last for several days and significantly impact the quality of life of those affected.

Symptoms

Individuals with POIS typically experience a range of symptoms that can include:

• Severe fatigue
• Muscle pain
• Cognitive difficulties, such as memory problems and difficulty concentrating
• Irritability and mood changes
• Feverishness
• Nasal congestion
• Itchy eyes

The onset of these symptoms usually occurs within minutes to hours after orgasm and can persist for 2 to 7 days.

Causes

The exact cause of POIS is not well understood, but several hypotheses have been proposed:

• Allergic Reaction: Some researchers suggest that POIS may be an autoimmune or allergic reaction to one's own semen. This is supported by the fact that some patients have shown improvement with hyposensitization therapy.
• Neurochemical Imbalance: Another theory is that POIS may be related to an imbalance in neurochemicals released during orgasm, such as serotonin or dopamine.
• Hormonal Factors: Hormonal imbalances, particularly involving testosterone, have also been considered as potential contributors to POIS.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing POIS can be challenging due to its rarity and the lack of specific diagnostic tests. Diagnosis is typically based on the patient's history and the exclusion of other conditions that could cause similar symptoms. A detailed sexual and medical history is essential, and some clinicians may use a symptom diary to help confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment

There is currently no standardized treatment for POIS, but several approaches have been tried with varying degrees of success:

• Antihistamines: Some patients have reported relief from symptoms with the use of antihistamines, supporting the allergic reaction hypothesis.
• Hormone Therapy: Testosterone replacement therapy has been used in some cases, particularly if hormonal imbalances are suspected.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT may help patients cope with the psychological impact of the condition.
• Desensitization Therapy: This involves gradually exposing the patient to small amounts of their own semen to reduce the allergic response.

Research and Future Directions

Research into POIS is ongoing, with efforts focused on better understanding the underlying mechanisms and developing effective treatments. Increased awareness and reporting of cases are crucial for advancing research in this area.

See Also

• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
• Autoimmune Disorders
• Sexual Health
• Waldinger, M. D., & Schweitzer, D. H. (2002). Postorgasmic illness syndrome: Two cases. Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy, 28(3), 251-255.
• Ashby, J., & Goldmeier, D. (2010). Postorgasm illness syndrome A spectrum of illnesses. Journal of Sexual Medicine, 7(5), 1976-1981.

NIH genetic and rare disease info

• NIH info on Post-orgasmic illness syndrome

Post-orgasmic illness syndrome is a rare disease.