Introduction:
“Post-orgasm blues” or “post-orgasm dissonance” is a condition in which individuals, mainly men, experience feelings of sadness, guilt, regret or discomfort shortly after orgasm, whether during masturbation or sexual intercourse. This phenomenon is more common than one might think and can be explained by a complex interaction between neurotransmitters, brain regions and psychological factors.
Neurotransmitters Involved:
- Dopamine: During sexual arousal and orgasm, there is a significant release of dopamine in the brain’s reward system, particularly in the nucleus accumbens. Dopamine is the primary neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward. However, shortly after orgasm, dopamine levels drop rapidly, which can contribute to a feeling of “crashing” or emotional emptiness.
- Serotonin: Orgasm is also associated with an increase in serotonin release, particularly in the raphe nucleus. Serotonin is involved in mood regulation, and sudden changes in its levels can influence emotional state after sexual climax. The initial increase may be followed by a decline, which in some people can contribute to feelings of sadness or depression.
- Oxytocin: Known as the “love hormone,” oxytocin is released in large amounts during orgasm, promoting feelings of connection and intimacy. However, the rapid decrease in oxytocin after climax can contribute to feelings of detachment or isolation, especially if the orgasm occurred alone (such as during masturbation) rather than in an intimate context with another person.
- Prolactin: After orgasm, there is an increase in prolactin release, particularly in the pituitary gland. Prolactin has an inhibitory effect on dopamine, which contributes to the refractory phase (the period after orgasm when sexual arousal is difficult or impossible). Prolactin is associated with feelings of satisfaction and satiety, but may also be related to the emotional decline following orgasm, especially in men.
Brain Regions Involved:
- Nucleus Accumbens: A key part of the reward system, the nucleus accumbens is activated by the release of dopamine during sexual arousal and orgasm. Its activation is associated with the experience of pleasure, but the subsequent drop in dopaminergic activity can lead to a feeling of loss or emotional emptiness.
- Prefrontal Cortex: This region is involved in emotional regulation and reward processing. After orgasm, the prefrontal cortex may participate in the cognitive evaluation of the sexual experience, and feelings of guilt or regret may emerge if the experience is considered inappropriate or in conflict with personal beliefs.
- Amygdala: Responsible for emotional response and threat assessment, the amygdala may be activated if a person associates masturbation or sexual intercourse with feelings of guilt or shame. Amygdala activation may intensify negative emotions after orgasm.
- Hypothalamus: This region regulates the release of oxytocin and prolactin and is involved in regulating the cycles of arousal and relaxation after orgasm. Prolactin release in the hypothalamus contributes to the refractory phase and may be associated with feelings of lethargy or apathy.
Psychological and Contextual Factors:
In addition to neurobiological aspects, psychological factors play an important role in post-orgasm sadness. If masturbation or sexual intercourse is perceived as morally wrong, inappropriate, or in conflict with personal or social values, negative thoughts are more likely to emerge after orgasm. In addition, unrealistic expectations about the sexual experience or the search for immediate emotional relief can exacerbate these negative feelings.
Conclusion:
Post-orgasm blues is a multifaceted condition, influenced by both neurochemical changes and psychological factors. Understanding the underlying mechanisms may help normalize this experience for those who experience it, as well as pave the way for more effective intervention strategies if these feelings are frequent or disruptive.
