There's a certain 'post-nut phenomenon' which is doing the rounds online, with many people relating to experiencing the same thing after doing the deed.
While the act of sex can feel great as it's going on, the rush of emotions can often take a turn for the worst once you've finished, and it may not just be due to the fact that you couldn't go the distance. It's all to do with a health condition that millions are dealing with regularly, with certain people admitting that they've felt this way regularly.
You may have heard of 'post-nut clarity' on social media in the past, but it's a condition which has been given a scientific name as psychology experts have looked into what's become known as the post-nut phenomenon?
What is the post-nut phenomenon?
Post-nut clarity speaks of the clearness you might feel mentally after an orgasm, but it's believed that 40 percent of men face the post-nut phenomenon known as post-coital dysphoria (PCD).
It's believed that anything from hormones to psychological distress can cause the emotional response, which can happen just moments after sex.
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In fact, PCD can even bring on tears if it was that good, as researchers Robert D Schweitzer and Joel Maczkowiack discovered the condition after a study on men, as it was believed it was more common in women.
It found that 41 percent of men experienced the condition one time or another, with descriptions including 'I feel unsatisfied, annoyed and very fidgety', feeling 'emotionless and empty', and 'I don't want to be touched and I want to be left alone'.
Feelings of anxiety, sadness, or irritability, are results of the condition and can be a sign of a hormonal shift.
There could be some reasons for this though, according to PsychCentral, who have listed five possible reasons for PCD.
Hormones
As mentioned earlier, sex can cause hormones such as oxytocin and dopamine to flood your body, with orgasms triggering the release of prolactin, and this rise and drop in hormones can affect your mood.
Sexual trauma
This can affect the way you feel about sex in general, as an enjoyable sexual encounter in a safe environment can still be triggering in response to a reminder of a traumatic event you may have had.
This can be brough on by the likes of sights, smells, textures, or even thoughts.
Relationship difficulties
Experts say that sex can bring issues with your partner to the boil, as it can be an intense experience which brings the emotions bubbling up.
This means that unresolved issues can leave you overwhelmed.
Difficulties with sex
Numerous people have conflicting feelings about the deed, all of which could leave you feeling overwhelmed or sad even if you enjoyed the act.
You can end up feeling guilty about having sex, have worries about your performance in bed, or even a negative body image afterwards.
Anxiety can also kick in if you've just had sex with a new partner, though existing sexual disorders could also play a part in the negative feelings if you're feeling especially anxious about the deed.
Anxiety, depression, or stress
Stress can find its way into any aspect of life, sex included.
You may be comfortable and completely free after you've finished the deed, but while you're feeling everything, anxiety or sadness from work, family, or life in general could slap you in the face as a result of heightened hormones and emotions.
It's also said that crying after sex may not be PCD, it could be tears of joy, as experts have highlights that PCD does not mean you're unhappy in a relationship, or that you don't fully trust your partner.
If you suffer with any issues, they say to speak and communicate with your partner, though Psych Central say to seek individual or couple therapy to try and remedy these problems if they persist, as an expert may help.
Topics: Health, Mental Health, Sex and Relationships
Joshua Nair