Postcoital dysphoria - meaning and definition
AlsoPCDpost-sex bluespost-coital dysphoriapostcoital tristessepost-coital tristesse
Definition
Feelings of sadness, tearfulness, anxiety or irritability after sex, even when the sex was consensual and enjoyable.
At a glance
- Unexplained sadness or irritability after consensual sex.
- Reported by people of all genders.
- Usually passes within a short time.
- Causes are not fully understood.
- A therapist or doctor can help if it is frequent or distressing.
In detail
Postcoital dysphoria, often shortened to PCD and sometimes called the post-sex blues, has been reported by people of all genders in research surveys. The feelings usually pass within minutes to a few hours.
Researchers are still working out why it happens; ideas include hormonal changes after orgasm, past experiences, and feelings about intimacy or the relationship. Occasional episodes are not a cause for concern, but if the feelings are frequent or distressing, talking to a GP, sex therapist or counsellor can help.
In a sentence
- I sometimes feel tearful after sex for no reason, and I read that it might be postcoital dysphoria.
- Talking to my partner about the post-sex blues helped us both understand it.
Common questions
Is it normal to feel sad after sex?
It is more common than many people think and does not necessarily mean something is wrong with the relationship. If it happens often or is distressing, a GP, counsellor or sex therapist can help explore it.
How can partners help?
Many people find it helps to talk about it outside the moment, agree on what feels comforting, such as closeness or quiet time, and not take the feelings personally.