Stressed after sex? Things post-sex symptoms tell you about your health

Sex is a pleasurable and feel-good activity for most people. Well, sex is not just a pleasurable activity but it is also good for your health. But sex becomes troublesome for some people and leads to problems. Have you been feeling stressed after having sex? If you have been facing health issues post-sex, you could be experiencing “post-sex symptoms.” They usually start after sexual pleasure or orgasm and could last a long time.

If you have been experiencing any of the post-sex symptoms, scroll down to know what it means and what you can do about them.

Post sex symptoms and what they mean

Know the types of post-sex symptoms and the reasons behind them:

1. Headache

Experiencing headaches after sexual intercourse is normal, but it could be a problem for someone who has a migraine. They have a higher chance of experiencing a headache after sexual intercourse and orgasm. According to the National Headache Foundation, when the body is excited during sex, it causes the muscles in the head and neck to contract, which can trigger headaches.

How to manage it?

If you experience a headache during sex, you should stop for a while as it can cause problems, as per the American Migraine Foundation. You can take anti-inflammatory pain relievers if you have a migraine, especially if you have been experiencing a headache every time you have sex.

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2. Asthma

If you have asthma and it is not well controlled, it could be triggered during sexual intercourse. Studies have shown that people with asthma may experience chest tightening, shortness of breath, coughing, sneezing during intercourse. Along with asthma, if you suffer from anxiety problems, you become prone to have an asthma attack during orgasm, which can directly affect your sexual health.

How to manage it?

Pay attention to your medication to prevent asthma triggers during sexual intercourse. You should make sure your asthma is under control. Apart from this, you should try to protect yourself as much as possible from situations that trigger anxiety and depression. Also, keep your inhaler nearby in case you experience any symptoms. Another thing you need to keep in mind is sexual positions. So, try to keep it simple and do not try complicated positions. It would be better to keep the pace normal.

3. Sadness or mood changes

Do you feel sad after sex? Do you experience sudden mood swings post-sex? It could be due to postcoital dysphoria. This is a type of condition in which women often become unhappy after having consensual sex. Some women experience a sudden change in their mood and may even start crying. A study published in General Sexual Medicine found that 46 percent of 230 women experienced postcoital dysphoria at some point. It was seen very frequently in 5 percent of the women included in the study.

How to manage it?

Emotional turmoil can have a negative impact on your relationship. The key is to try to manage these emotions with the help of therapy and practicing breathing techniques after and before sex. You should try to cuddle after having sex or talk to your partner openly about how you are feeling. If you have been diagnosed with postcoital dysphoria, tell them about it and discuss it.

4. Urinary tract infections (UTIs)

Do you feel a burning sensation, pain, or itching after having sex? If you are experiencing these symptoms every time you pee after intercourse, you might have developed a UTI. Not using protection after sex or neglecting proper hygiene are two of the biggest reasons for getting a UTI after sex. Microscopic tears can be seen in the vaginal skin and urethra in case of UTI. Apart from this, inflammation also occurs in the bladder lining. If this problem persists for a long time, it may even affect your kidneys and liver.

How to manage it?

If you have been experiencing an unusual discomfort in your vagina post-sex along with other symptoms like fever, body pain, and chills, you must visit a doctor to get a treatment. Apart from consulting a doctor, you must take care of your hygiene and avoid sexual intercourse if you have a UTI. If you try to have sexual intercourse with a UTI, it can worsen the symptoms and lead to serious problems.

While these symptoms may indicate an underlying health problem, you must check with your doctor to know for sure.