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. 2023 Mar 2;11(2):qfac021.
doi: 10.1093/sexmed/qfac021. eCollection 2023 Apr.

Case series: expanding diagnostic markers in postorgasmic illness syndrome

Leah Rosetti  1 , Amin Kanani  2 , Luke Witherspoon  3   4 , Ryan Flannigan  3   5 , Stacy Elliott  1   3   6
Affiliations

Case series: expanding diagnostic markers in postorgasmic illness syndrome

Leah Rosetti et al. Sex Med. .

Abstract

Introduction: Postorgasmic illness syndrome (POIS) is a rare condition in which individuals develop generalized and flu-like symptoms after ejaculation. Several mechanisms and treatments for this disorder have been proposed but many questions remain.

Aims: We sought to present a summary of literature to date and highlight common symptoms, associated features, comorbidities, and laboratory findings in a clinical sample of patients with POIS.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review of 6 patients with POIS in our clinic and presented compiled results.

Results: We identified newly described non-flu-like presentations, onset of symptoms with high states of arousal without ejaculation, and presence of psychiatric comorbidity in a majority of patients. We did not identify a postorgasm allergic response with bloodwork available.

Conclusion: POIS remains a poorly understood condition that likely comprises a number of different clinical entities. Further research on a larger clinical sample is necessary to better characterize POIS and understand its biological and psychological basis.

Keywords: POIS; Postorgasmic illness syndrome; case series; ejaculation.

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