Post-orgasmic illness syndrome can severely disrupt relationships and mental health, new study suggests

A new study published in the International Journal of Impotence Research provides evidence that post-orgasmic illness syndrome, a little-known medical condition, may severely affect the emotional and relational well-being of those who experience it. Men with the condition were found to report low self-esteem, feelings of helplessness, and significant strain in their intimate relationships. The findings highlight a psychosocial burden that has received limited scientific attention and suggest a need for more comprehensive care approaches for this patient group.

Post-orgasmic illness syndrome is a rare disorder that causes a range of physical and mental symptoms following ejaculation. These symptoms often include fatigue, cognitive impairment, mood disturbances, and muscle pain, and can last for days. The condition has mostly been reported in men, although some reports suggest it may also affect women.

Despite being documented for over two decades, the underlying causes of post-orgasmic illness syndrome remain unclear. Some researchers have proposed that it is an allergic or autoimmune reaction to semen, while others have suggested links to hormone imbalances, nerve dysfunction, or psychological factors. Until recently, much of the scientific work on this condition has focused on trying to understand its physical causes and to develop treatments.

The new study, led by Luke N. Maietta of the University of Massachusetts T.H. Chan Medical School, shifts focus to the emotional and social effects of living with this chronic condition. Maietta and his colleagues sought to explore how post-orgasmic illness syndrome affects self-perception, relationship dynamics, and feelings of social isolation. The researchers also aimed to create a framework for addressing the emotional and interpersonal struggles that patients may experience alongside their physical symptoms.

The research team collected data through online surveys completed by 83 male participants who either had a formal diagnosis of post-orgasmic illness syndrome or met all diagnostic criteria for the condition. These surveys were shared in online communities focused on the condition, including Reddit, Twitter, and POISCenter.com. Participants completed the Sexual Dysfunction Attribution Scale, a tool designed to measure how individuals understand the causes of their sexual difficulties and the effects those difficulties have on their emotional well-being and relationships.

Participants in the study tended to be highly educated, with over 70 percent holding at least a bachelor’s degree, and came from predominantly middle- to upper-income backgrounds. Most were between the ages of 25 and 44, and about two-thirds were single.

The survey results point to widespread emotional distress among men with post-orgasmic illness syndrome. Most participants believed that their symptoms were permanent and unchangeable. Specifically, 96 percent reported feeling that their symptoms would “always be present,” and over 80 percent said they had no control over their condition. A similar percentage believed that their partners also had no control over their symptoms.

Many participants internalized blame for their condition. About 60 percent said they deserved to be blamed for their sexual difficulties, while only 7 percent assigned blame to their partners. Most participants attributed their difficulties to their own physical or psychological makeup, with nearly 80 percent agreeing that something about them physically was causing their problems, and nearly half believing their difficulties were caused by something personal, such as their personality or mood.

This sense of self-blame appeared to have consequences for participants’ intimate lives. Over 80 percent said their condition negatively affected their relationships. Roughly 37 percent said they had not had sex within the past year, which is higher than the typical rates for men in similar age groups in the general population. These findings suggest that people with post-orgasmic illness syndrome may avoid sexual activity out of fear of triggering symptoms or due to feelings of shame or inadequacy.

Participants were also asked about the stability and perceived causes of their symptoms. Most did not believe that outside factors like social pressure or lack of privacy were contributing to their condition. Nor did they believe that their partners were intentionally affecting their sexual functioning. Instead, respondents largely viewed their difficulties as being deeply rooted in themselves and resistant to change.

The researchers note that their study is descriptive in nature and does not include a comparison group of individuals without post-orgasmic illness syndrome. Because participants were recruited online through support communities, the sample may not represent all individuals with the condition. It is also possible that those who experience greater distress were more likely to respond to the survey.

Another limitation is that the measurement tool used—the Sexual Dysfunction Attribution Scale—was originally developed to assess sexual dysfunction in women. Although it was adapted for use in this study, it has not been formally validated for men with post-orgasmic illness syndrome. Future studies could refine the tool for broader use or develop a new assessment specifically tailored to this patient group.

The authors suggest that future research should include more in-depth interviews or focus groups to explore how these psychosocial patterns play out in different contexts. There is also a need to study how partners are affected and whether interventions like counseling or support groups might improve outcomes for couples. Additionally, longitudinal studies could track how these psychological patterns change over time or in response to treatment.

The results suggest that mental health support should be considered an essential part of care for people living with post-orgasmic illness syndrome. Since most participants reported low levels of perceived control and high levels of personal blame, interventions aimed at increasing self-compassion and challenging distorted beliefs may be beneficial.

The study, “Post-orgasmic illness syndrome and its effects on self esteem and relationships: a survey,” was authored by Luke N. Maietta, Isaac Bronson, Michael Cabral, Cameron Stokes, Karla Radillo Mendoza, Olivia Johnson, Dipavo Banerjee, Anthony J. Rothschild, and Rachel S. Rubin.