You’ve just finished, everything goes quiet—and instead of satisfaction, a heavy wave of sadness rolls in.
If that sounds familiar, you’re far from alone.
Researchers have now officially named the condition: Postcoital Dysphoria (PCD), and yes—it affects people even after solo sex. A new study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine confirms that a significant number of men and women report “unexplained emotional distress” after masturbation, including sadness, irritability, and even tears.
“People think orgasm is always followed by pleasure,” said Dr. Eli Coleman of the University of Minnesota’s Program in Human Sexuality. “But for some, it’s followed by emptiness.”
According to the research, around 41% of men and 46% of women have experienced at least one episode of PCD in their lifetime. For roughly 10%, it’s a regular occurrence.
What’s behind it?
Scientists say it’s a neurochemical crash.
When you climax, your brain is flooded with dopamine, oxytocin, and endorphins. But for some people, that rush is followed by a sudden dip in serotonin—a neurotransmitter responsible for mood regulation. That emotional “comedown” can mimic symptoms of depression or anxiety, even if nothing is actually wrong.
Dr. Nicole Prause, a neuroscientist who studies sexual behavior, says it’s a completely normal but poorly understood phenomenon.
“There’s a cultural silence around it,” she told VICE. “No one wants to admit that masturbation can make them cry.”
Social media is starting to shatter that taboo.
A now-viral thread on Reddit’s r/sex features thousands of comments from users sharing stories of post-masturbation regret, anxiety, and confusion.
“I thought I was going crazy,” wrote one user. “Now I know it’s a real thing.”
A similar discussion exploded on TikTok, where therapist @mentalhealthmatters posted a clip explaining PCD that’s racked up over 12 million views. Comments ranged from “This explains my entire twenties” to “Thank you. I thought I was broken.”
The Guardian recently profiled several individuals grappling with the condition, including 33-year-old Ethan James, who said, “I felt shame every time. Like I’d done something wrong, even though I hadn’t.”
One contributing factor is societal conditioning.
Experts believe those raised in sexually conservative or religious households are more prone to PCD due to lingering guilt, moral conflict, or shame narratives around pleasure. Dr. Marty Klein, author of His Porn, Her Pain, argues: “It’s less about biology and more about baggage.”
Still, the brain plays a role.
Neuroimaging studies show that post-orgasmic brain activity can trigger emotional lability in certain individuals—similar to a sugar crash after binge eating. Some researchers have even compared the phenomenon to a form of “chemical hangover.”
A 2022 study from University of Queensland confirmed that men who reported frequent PCD also scored higher on metrics for anxiety and emotional suppression, suggesting that underlying mental health may amplify the symptoms.
So what can be done?
Therapists recommend self-awareness and post-orgasm mindfulness. “Don’t rush to distract yourself,” said clinical psychologist Dr. Jess Clemens. “Feel it. Note it. Let it pass. It usually does.”
In some cases, long-term or recurring PCD may indicate deeper unresolved issues, particularly around intimacy, self-image, or past trauma.
But for most, it’s simply part of a larger, unspoken emotional spectrum surrounding sexuality.
“It doesn’t mean there’s something wrong with you,” said Dr. Emily Morse, host of the Sex With Emily podcast. “It just means you’re human.”
The key, experts say, is to stop treating it as a secret.
Because the more people talk about post-masturbation sadness, the less lonely it feels.
