For most people, sex ends with an orgasm, euphoria, and relaxation. But sometimes the big O leaves you feeling unwell. Many conditions can arise after sex because of the exertion on your body, allergies, or pre-existing conditions. It’s important to remember these conditions aren’t Sexually Transmitted Infections.
1. Post-orgasmic illness syndrome
This is a rare disorder where men experience symptoms after ejaculation. Men can experience fatigue, nose congestion, burning eyes, irritability, depression, flu, and difficulty concentrating. According to Everyday Health, it can happen because the body gets an autoimmune reaction to seminal fluid. Symptoms can last up to a week.
It was first diagnosed in 2002. Many men are unaware that they have this condition. However, when they do find out, they avoid sexual activity or don’t ejaculate within a body cavity such as a mouth, vagina, or anus—to prevent any contact with seminal fluid. If you suspect that POIS is affecting your sex life, see a gynaecologist or urologist. They’re likely to prescribe antihistamines.
2. Headaches
Once you get an orgasm, you are very likely to get a headache. There are two types of sex-induced headaches: exertional and orgasmic. Exertional headaches happen because of muscle contractions in the back of the head and the neck. They happen more frequently if you are predisposed to migraines. But they can also be signs of other brain abnormalities. If exertional headaches happen too frequently, even outside the bedroom, seek medical attention.
Orgasmic headaches are intense head pains that occur just before orgasm. They can happen because of the increase in blood pressure brought by the climax. They can last up to several hours. Headaches can also occur more in men than women.
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3. Mood drop
Sometimes you can feel depressed after sex. This is known as postcoital dysphoria. Symptoms include sadness, anxiety, irritability, or agitation. Sometimes this could be because of relationship issues, unaddressed trauma, depression, or anxiety.
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4. Allergies
You can have an allergy to semen. While rare, it’s still possible to experience irritation, hives, or swelling. When you’re allergic to semen, the pH balance is changed in the vagina. You can prevent any allergic reactions by using a condom.
5. UTI
Having sex increases the chances of getting a UTI. This is because it introduces bacteria into the vaginal wall that incubates and causes a UTI. It is symptomized by a burning sensation while peeing. If left untreated, it can lead to kidney stones. The best way to prevent a UTI after sex is by peeing immediately after sex and making sure your genitals are clean before indulging. Sexual Health: 6 Sex Hygiene Habits You Shouldn’t Skip
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6. Yeast infections
Your body naturally has yeast. But when it overgrows, it leads to an infection. This causes itching, irritation, painful sex, and thick discharge. It can happen because of a pH imbalance or hormonal flux. They can be treated with over-the-counter medications.
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7. Bacterial vaginosis
The vagina contains a lot of good and bad bacteria that have to live in balance. When the balance is upset, you could end up with a condition known as bacterial vaginosis. The symptoms include white or grey cervical mucus, vaginal odour, a fishy smell after sex, itching, and pain during peeing. You can prevent bacterial vaginosis by using condoms, not douching, wearing appropriate underwear, and avoiding tight clothes in the crotch area. It’s more likely to affect women with more than one sexual partner but it’s not an STI.
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8. Nausea
This can happen because of these pre-existing conditions: dehydration, UTI, vertigo, or pelvic inflammatory disorder. Another cause of nausea during or after sex is vasovagal syncope. This is when you experience extremely deep penetration and your partner hits the cervix repeatedly. The cervix has a lot of nerve endings. One of them is the vagus nerve. When it’s hit it can cause a lower heart rate, and low blood pressure which can make you feel faint and nauseated. It can also happen because of endometriosis, anxiety, and semen allergies.
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Check out:
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