Postorgasmic-Illness-Syndrome Symptoms

Symptoms of Postorgasmic-Illness-Syndrome (POIS)

Postorgasmic-Illness Syndrome (POIS) is a rare but extremely distressing condition that occurs after ejaculation—most commonly in men. The symptoms can be physical, cognitive, and emotional, often appearing either immediately after orgasm or with a delay. Many affected individuals report flu-like symptoms, extreme exhaustion, difficulty concentrating, depressed mood, or even panic attacks.

In this article, you’ll learn about the most common POIS symptoms, how they manifest, when they occur, and why the condition can vary significantly from person to person.

What Is Postorgasmic-Illness-Syndrome?

Post-Orgasmic Illness Syndrome is a still poorly understood condition, primarily affecting men. It is characterized by a wide range of distressing symptoms following ejaculation—regardless of whether the ejaculation occurs through sexual intercourse, masturbation, or spontaneous (nocturnal) emission. Symptoms can last from a few hours to several days or even a full week and may severely impact a person’s quality of life, relationships, work capacity, and emotional well-being.

Physical Symptoms After Ejaculation

Most individuals affected by POIS report physical symptoms that closely resemble the flu or an inflammatory response. Commonly reported complaints include:

• Severe exhaustion and fatigue
• Muscle and limb pain
• Headaches
• Sore throat or hoarseness
• Fever-like sensations (usually without actual fever)
• Sweating or chills
• Nasal congestion or dry mucous membranes
• Generalized body weakness

These symptoms often begin immediately after ejaculation and may incapacitate sufferers for hours or days. In severe cases, even basic daily tasks become nearly impossible.

Cognitive Impairments: Brain Fog & Concentration Problems

In addition to physical symptoms, many POIS sufferers experience cognitive difficulties—especially what is commonly described as „brain fog,“ a type of mental cloudiness or confusion.

Typical cognitive POIS symptoms include:

• Difficulty concentrating
• Slowed thinking
• Memory problems
• Word-finding difficulties
• Sensory hypersensitivity (e.g., to noise or light)

These symptoms make it particularly difficult to perform at work or school. Many describe feeling “spaced out” or “numb” for days following orgasm.

Psychological Symptoms: Depression, Anxiety & Emotional Instability

Another critical aspect of POIS is the occurrence of mental and emotional symptoms, which can also start immediately or with a delay after ejaculation:

• Depressed mood or even major depression
• Anxiety or inner restlessness
• Irritability and emotional instability
• Social withdrawal and isolation
• Sleep disturbances or nightmares

These emotional effects are especially problematic because they are often misinterpreted as purely psychological, even by healthcare professionals, rather than being seen as consequences of a physical condition.

When Do POIS Symptoms Occur?

The timing of POIS symptoms can vary widely from person to person. While some feel the effects immediately after ejaculation—such as fatigue, irritability, or muscle pain—others report that certain symptoms like brain fog or depressive episodes don’t begin until the next day or even two days later.

Course and Severity: POIS Affects Everyone Differently

It is essential to understand that POIS is not a uniform condition. Each person experiences it differently, with variation in:

• The type of symptoms
• Duration of the illness (from a few hours to up to a week)
• Frequency (after every ejaculation or only occasionally)
• Intensity (mild to severely disabling)

Some men suffer from all three symptom categories—physical, cognitive, and psychological—while others are affected in only one or two areas. This variability makes diagnosis especially challenging, particularly if the healthcare provider is unfamiliar with POIS.

Conclusion: POIS Symptoms Are Real and Must Be Taken Seriously

Although Post-Orgasmic Illness Syndrome is still relatively unknown, hundreds of men around the world report identical symptoms after ejaculation. The condition is severe, long-lasting, and impacts every aspect of life. This makes it all the more important to raise awareness of POIS, enabling earlier diagnosis, more research, and effective treatment strategies.

Do You Recognize Yourself in These Symptoms?

If you regularly experience similar symptoms after orgasm, you are not alone. At POIS-Network, you’ll find information, community, and support.

Get in touch with us: contact@pois-network.com

Learn more on the next page: POIS-Diagnosis

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Seven Symptom-Clusters according to Waldinger

In a study conducted in 2016, Dutch sexologist Waldinger distinguished between seven symptom clusters that can affect sufferers ¹

Learn more about POIS-Diagnosis

1. Waldinger MD. Post orgasmic illness syndrome (POIS). Transl Androl Urol. 2016 Aug;5(4):602-6. ↩︎