Postcoital Dysphoria: Prevalence and Psychological Correlates

Abstract

IntroductionWhile problems related to desire, arousal, and orgasm have been subject to extensive epidemiologic research, women's postcoital reactions and feelings, and postcoital dysphoria (PCD) remains under‐researched.AimThe study examined the association between women's attachment anxiety and avoidance, differentiation of self, and the experience of PCD symptoms.MethodsTwo hundred and thirty female university students completed an online survey.Main Outcome MeasuresThe Female Sexual Function Index, the Experiences in Close Relationships Scale, the Differentiation of Self Inventory‐Revised, and study specific questions.ResultsForty‐six percent of respondents reported experiencing PCD symptoms at least once in their lifetime with 5.1% experiencing PCD symptoms a few times within the past 4 weeks. A small but significant inverse correlation was found between lifetime prevalence of PCD and sexual functioning (r = −0.16). While the regression model accounted for 22% of variance in lifetime prevalence of PCD, attachment and differentiation of self variables did not account for significant variance.ConclusionsThe findings confirm that PCD is under‐recognized and under‐researched. There appears to be no relationship between PCD and intimacy in close relationships. Further research is necessary to understand the subjective experience of PCD and to inform the development of a reliable measure. Schweitzer RD, O'Brien J, and Burri A. Postcoital dysphoria: Prevalence and psychological correlates. Sex Med 2015;3:229–237.

Overlap of Postnatal Depression and Postcoital Dysphoria in Women- Implications for Common Underlying Mechanisms

“…This is the first study investigating the overlap between postnatal depression and Postcoital Dysphoria. In our study we observed that 32% women had experienced recent PCD, these rates are in concordance with those from previous studies [9,10]. In line with our hypothesis, we observed that women with PND were more likely to also suffer from PCD, with 61.3% women with PND also reporting to have PCD.…”

“…Reproductive hormones influence virtually every biological system implicated in PND, and there is robust evidence that a subgroup of women seem to be particularly sensitive to the effects of postnatal changes in hormone levels. It has previously been proposed that these high-risk women constitute a "hormone-sensitive" PND phenotype, which should be studied to identify underlying pathophysiology and develop novel treatment targets [9]. Along these lines, in the current study we questioned if women with PND were more likely to be affected by PCD or post-sex distress.…”

“…PCD is an under-investigated disorder and is reported to have a lifetime prevalence of 32% to 46% in women but the molecular mechanism underpinning this disorder are not well understood [9,10]. It is still unclear whether PCD is an endocrine-related phenomenon, occurring as a result of hormonal changes during sexual intercourse that can cause highs and lows, precipitating the symptoms.…”

Post orgasmic illness syndrome: what do we know till now?

“…Crying, depression and dysphoria despite satisfactory sexual intercourse have been reported to occur with and without orgasm and therefore cannot be considered as a true post-orgasmic phenomenon. PCD can include tearfulness and feelings of melancholy, depression, anxiety, agitation, or aggression which can mimic the psychological burden of POIS; this is why we mentioned it in our review, although symptoms last only up to an hour after sexual intercourse [19].…”

What is orgasm? A model of sexual trance and climax via rhythmic entrainment

“…4Stimulation of kappa opioid receptors may be partially responsible for the dysphoric symptoms experienced by some individuals during and/or after climax (Kivell et al, 2014; Schweitzer, O’Brien, & Burri, 2015). …”