Feeling Anxiety After Making Love, Is It Normal? Here Are The 5 Causes According To Experts

Illustration of causes and ways to deal with anxiety after sex (Unsplash/Anthony Tran)

JAKARTA - According to experts, anxiety is felt after making love is commonplace. It doesn't differentiate between men and women, this anxiety can overwhelm and make you uncomfortable.

As reported by Healthline, Tuesday, June 22, anxiety after sex can arise because of something that is not related to sex. At first, it might be fine but after a while, there is a sense of worry about what will happen next.

Post-sex anxiety is a common condition. People indiscriminately, including all sexual preferences, can feel anxiety after a sex session in a broad sense or all forms of physical intimacy.

This condition is known as post-coital dysphoria (PCD), also known as postcoital tristesse, where there are certain conditions that can trigger feelings of sadness, anxiety, and crying after sexual intercourse.

Post-coital dysphoria can last 5 to 2 hours and can occur with or without orgasm. Two studies, the first conducted in 2015 found 46 percent of the 233 women who took the survey had PCD at least once.

A second 2019 study found 41 percent in the survey experienced it. So, what are the things that can cause PCD?

Hormone

During sex, a number of hormones experience a spike, including dopamine and oxytocin. And when you reach orgasm, the hormone prolactin is produced. Overall, these hormones can cause quite intense emotions.

After sexual activity ends, levels of this hormone drop. This causes emotions, anxiety for one, to emerge unexpectedly. The researchers also concluded that these hormonal fluctuations play a role in causing PCD.

Feelings about relationship

When it comes to unresolved issues about your relationship, having sex for some is not the solution to reconciliation. In some cases, sex during a troubled relationship can be emotionally exhausting and boosted by hormonal fluctuations.

Feelings about sex and body

Not a few people have anxiety about sex. Sometimes you feel guilty, don't get consent, feel ashamed, or even worry about your ability to have sexual activity. This is very common and can cause feelings of lingering anxiety after sexual intercourse.

Stress

Stress and anxiety about daily life are very disturbing. Moreover, you can't rule out unfinished tasks. If you do, you are more likely to experience PCD symptoms as well.

A 2015 study noted that the causes of PCD are highly variable and not fixed. But people who experience psychological stress in addition to stress, anxiety, and depression also have the potential to experience PCD.

Trauma

The vulnerable condition of sexual harassment survivors unconsciously harbors anxiety and fear. To come to terms with an unpleasant past, it is advisable to seek professional help in order to get the right therapy.

Next, to deal with anxiety and be able to enjoy being with your partner, try breathing exercises that are beneficial for calming. Tell your partner about the feelings of anxiety you experience so you don't get frustrated because you feel alone.

The last recommendation, a list of 3 things that make you safe, comfortable, hopeful, and what makes you less anxious.