Living with Postorgasmic illness syndrome
A rare condition in which flu-like and allergy-like symptoms develop after orgasm and last a few days.
Understanding Postorgasmic illness syndrome
It can follow orgasm with a partner, by masturbation or during sleep. It is mostly reported in males after ejaculation, and rarely in females. Symptoms can start within seconds, minutes or hours and usually last 2 to 7 days before going away on their own. It can cause great distress for people and their partners.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:
- Tiredness and weakness
- Headache
- Fever
- Mood changes and irritability
- Memory or concentration problems
- Stuffy nose, sore throat and itchy eyes
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Specialists who may be involved include autoimmune and inflammatory disease specialists.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- autoimmune and inflammatory disease specialists (rheumatologists)
- Expert care
- Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with rare disease patient organizations for support
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
GARD says the cause is not known. Some scientists think it may be an autoimmune or allergic reaction to a substance in a man's own semen. Others think it may come from a chemical imbalance in the brain.
Also known as: pois
Patient organizations
Rare-disease groups that can help
- Global GenesRare Diseases · United States
- National Organization for Rare DisordersRare Diseases · United States
- Genetic AllianceRare Diseases · United States
- RARE FoundationRare Diseases · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Postorgasmic illness syndrome.
Explore research for Postorgasmic illness syndrome
Explore actively recruiting Postorgasmic illness syndrome studies with HealthSpark.
Find actively recruiting studies for Postorgasmic illness syndrome with HealthSpark. Share your city to explore research near you.
- Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
- Share your city to look for research near you
- Eligibility is confirmed by the study team
Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper
I can help you find recruiting Postorgasmic illness syndrome studies. Enter a ZIP code, address or city below and I'll look within 50 miles.
Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.
Get Signals for Postorgasmic illness syndrome
Stay in the loop with community stories and updates from medical researchers.
Create a living journal that talks back
HealthStory evolves private journaling with a living AI journal that talks back and asks thoughtful questions, helping you capture your Postorgasmic illness syndrome experiences more deeply and prepare for better conversations with your doctors and care team.
Your journal is private. Sharing your story publicly is a separate choice, made with Share your story above.