You may experience postcoital dysphoria (PCD) if you feel depressed or agitated following consensual intercourse. The term “post-sex blues” is frequently used to describe this. This occurs when you experience a variety of unpleasant emotions following intended sexual intercourse. After having sex with a partner, people with PCD may experience feelings including melancholy, impatience, agitation, anxiety, and depression.
Postcoital Dysphoria: What Is It?
Negative emotions following sex are referred to as postcoital dysphoria (PCD). This is not the same as female sexual dysfunctions (FSDs), which include emotions and problems before or during sexual activity. After having sex, people with PCD may experience melancholy (deep sadness) or depression. Even if you and your partner wanted the sex, you can get hostile or irritated.
Even though women have been the subject of the majority of PCD research, PCD is more common in women than in men. PCD symptoms might appear even after orgasm and physical enjoyment, and they typically occur after consensual sex.
In women, PCD symptoms include:
• Sadness.
• depression and anxiety.
• irritability.
• feeling dissatisfied.
Recent research indicates that PCD is also widespread in men, despite the paucity of available data. According to one study, 3% of males had PCD regularly, whereas 41% of men reported having PCD at least once in their lifetime.
Postcoital sadness is a phrase utilized to denote negative emotions exclusively following enjoyable, consensual intercourse, regardless of the underlying cause. Assault and coerced sex are not mentioned.
Postcoital Dysphoria: What Causes It?
The precise cause of PCD has not been thoroughly studied. Scientists, however, think that a variety of circumstances cause these emotions.
Abuse
You may be more susceptible to PCD if you experienced sexual abuse as a youngster. PCD symptoms might be brought on by childhood or adult sexual abuse. Abuse, both emotional and physical, may also increase your chance of developing postcoital dysphoria in the future.
Fear
Anxiety and despair may also result from childhood traumas. These mental health issues might lead to behavioral issues or be connected to depressive feelings.
Anger
You might be more bitter regarding sex or sexual encounters if you’ve had a history of abuse. Anxiety may result from feeling that you have no control over these interactions. Additionally, you could feel that you must voice your needs and desires, which could aggravate you.
Postpartum Depression
Postpartum depression may result from changes in hormones. Postpartum depression, also known as postnatal depression, is depression that strikes soon after giving birth.
PCD is also more common in postpartum depressed women, most likely due to increased estrogen sensitivity. Even after having fun sex, depression might make you feel depressed.
What Impact Does Intimacy Have On Postcoital Dysphoria?
PCD is not influenced by intimacy or intimate connections. Research has not discovered any connection between the two. Two aspects of closeness influence your sexual functioning.
Attachment’s Function
In this situation, your degree of closeness may depend on how connected you become to your partner. You might get closer, which could increase attachment.
Self-Distinction
This entails preserving your individuality while remaining emotionally attached to a partner. Intimacy can be handled healthily by those who possess this capacity. This may have an impact on your post-sex feelings. How you decide to have closeness in your life is also influenced by your ability to detach your feelings from your logical thoughts.
Contrary to popular belief, postcoital dysphoria is not brought on by a lack of intimacy and is unaffected by the closeness of your relationship. Even if your relationship is close and healthy, you could still experience sadness, anxiety, or depression after having sex.