The ephemeral melancholy after the climax has a name. Postcoital dysphoria refers to the feeling of sadness that overwhelms after a sexual act. How many times have you felt that after a passionate encounter she feels depressed or sad? This momentary shock is very common in women and men, although not equally.
According to a 2004 study published in the International Journal of Sexual Health; This reaction affects women more. In number, up to 10% of women can get it; And this feeling of emptiness, according to the study, lasts only for a few minutes after sex.
Although many people in normal situations feel relaxed and pleasant after the climax, others tend to regret or feel repulsed by the previous scenario. The drowning feeling now known as postcoital dysphoria, aroused the curiosity of scholars of earlier times. There is a record of this human particularity around the year 150 AD At the time of the Roman Empire, the illustrious doctor from Greece, Galen wrote: «after intercourse, all animals become sad except for the human female and the rooster.»
Currently, there are different approaches to this condition. The first orientation points to a biological response of the organism due to the absence of some substances in the human brain after a sexual encounter. Dr. Richard A. Friedman, professor of clinical psychiatry and director of the psychopharmacology clinic at Weill Cornell Medical College; got that the reaction could be associated with decreased activity in the amygdala during sex, related to other feelings such as fear and dread.
Friedman points out that there can be a discomfort when normal levels in the human body begin to balance out. “Could it be that some patients have such a spike in amygdala activity that it makes them feel bad afterwards?” he wondered.
Instead, there is a theory that postcoital dysphoria is a consequence of beliefs regarding sex. Debby Herbenick of the Center for Sexual Health Promotion from Indiana University, told AOLHealththat this pain after the climax is related to unclear feelings about sex, «derived from their upbringing, religion or other influences, and they may experience guilt or frustration after a sexual encounter.»
Also, an important factor is that of unhealthy behavior patterns regarding sex, such as a possible addiction, which then produces regret. And accordingly, it is related to issues of personality and self-esteem. Even with relationship problems.
Postcoital dysphoria, or depression after sex, can last up to a day and affect other areas of life. Experts record that having suffered a type of abuse in some past experience can also be a reason for a feeling of emptiness or shame; and in all these cases it can be treated with therapeutic treatment. The recommendation is to listen carefully to feelings and emotions, without hesitating to ask for professional help.