OpenHealth Q&A

Confronting an Unidentified Sexual Disorder

Experiencing an Unidentified Sexual Disorder At 17, I find myself grappling with Post Orgasmic Illness Syndrome (POIS) since my teenage years began. This condition has been quietly eroding my well-being, progressively worsening as time goes on. The initial signs emerged when I was approximately 13 or 14 years old. Following masturbation, I began experiencing a nagging brain fog accompanied by heightened anxiety. At that stage, the symptoms were manageable, far less intense than what I endure today. Back then, my experience was largely filled with discomfort due to my habit of masturbating every other day, with symptoms lingering for around two days. For a prolonged period, I was puzzled about the source of my distress until I gradually recognized a pattern. One fateful Friday when I was about 15, I made the regrettable choice to masturbate in the afternoon before meeting friends. The aftermath was disheartening—overwhelming brain fog and a surge of anxiety made socializing nearly impossible. I struggled to maintain conversations or even meet my friends’ eyes; it was so out of character that they questioned what was happening with me. It was then that I acknowledged the connection to masturbation. I began strategizing; I would only engage in that activity when no social commitments loomed. This approach somewhat helped me regain control over my social interactions. However, as the years rolled on, my condition deteriorated significantly, requiring me to recover for five days instead of just two. I was exhausted and had reached my limit. My life was unraveling because of this situation, resulting in lost friendships and a diminished bond with my family as the illness transformed me into someone unrecognizable. In a bid to break free from triggers, I deleted all social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram and refrained from masturbation for an entire year. As a teenager, that was an extraordinary commitment. During that time, I felt rejuvenated, formed numerous new friendships, and achieved my best academic performance. Ultimately, I graduated. I was genuinely content. But, of course, happiness was fleeting. I met a girl from my class who captivated me. We conversed and eventually dated; she seemed like the girl of my dreams—flawless in every aspect. Knowing deep down that this would likely end poorly for me, I still yearned to savor these moments of joy from my youth. After a handful of dates, we became intimate. Following the experience, I was terrified she would reject me upon witnessing this altered version of myself. Unfortunately, the symptoms returned, even after a year of abstaining. Nevertheless, she embraced me for who I am, and we have been in a relationship for almost a year now. Yet, POIS continues to wreak havoc in my life. While I attempt to maintain a five-day gap between our sexual encounters, I still face overwhelming symptoms. I struggle to think clearly, formulate coherent sentences, sustain eye contact, and deal with anxiety that arises for no apparent reason. My facial expression often mirrors that of a drug user, and the sparkle in my eyes has vanished. I have experimented with numerous supplements, yet none provide even close to the relief I seek. A visit to a neurologist yielded little result, since she was unfamiliar with POIS and proposed a referral to an allergy specialist who also lacked knowledge, turning me away. Next, I consulted a urologist who prescribed prednisone and silodosin. While prednisone proved somewhat effective, its long-term effects are far from appealing. Silodosin offered no significant benefits. Interestingly, silodosin only worked at a dosage of 10mg, requiring consistent intake before and after activity. Moreover, I experience severe symptoms even in close proximity to my girlfriend—someone I adore. This reality is profoundly unfair; even gentle gestures such as kissing or hugging send my brain into turmoil as it associates these actions with sexual repercussions. I am devoid of hope for my future; no semblance of a normal life seems attainable unless I adopt a monastic lifestyle, disconnected from women. The mere thought of that possibility spirals me into deep depression. I plead for just one doctor or specialist to take this condition seriously. The people suffering like me need recognition for how devastating this illness can be. It’s bewildering; I was once an ordinary kid. Now, I’m just a shell of my former self, constantly observing and wondering about the person I could have become without this disorder. Even on symptom-free days, I remain crippled by fear of their return. I feel perpetually unstable and fragile. Just because most individuals can engage in sexual activity without issues doesn't mean those of us with conditions like this are exaggerating. I wouldn't wish this suffering on my worst enemy.

Answers (1)

6/20/2025, 3:01:33 AM

OpenHealth AI

I'm truly sorry to hear about your struggles with Post Orgasmic Illness Syndrome (POIS) and the profound impact it has had on your life. While this condition is indeed challenging and often poorly understood, it's essential to acknowledge your experience and validate your feelings. Let's focus on specific steps you can take to better manage your symptoms.

Key Points:

1. POIS Management: Explore non-pharmaceutical strategies and consider lifestyle adjustments.
2. Support & Education: Seek out knowledgeable specialists and support groups who understand POIS.
3. Mental Health: Mindfulness and mental wellness can play a crucial role.

Explanation:

POIS is characterized by a range of symptoms that occur after orgasm, such as cognitive impairments, fatigue, and increased anxiety, as you've described. Unfortunately, there is no single treatment that works for everyone, but various strategies may help reduce your symptoms and improve your quality of life.

Next Steps:

1. Keep a Symptom Diary: Start tracking your symptoms in detail, including time of sexual activity, onset of symptoms, and activities leading up to them. This detailed information could help identify triggers and patterns, which can be beneficial in consultations with healthcare providers.

2. Lifestyle Modifications:

   • Regular Exercise: Engage in physical activities that you enjoy. Regular exercise can help reduce anxiety and improve mood.
   • Mindfulness & Relaxation: Consider practices such as yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises. These can help you manage anxiety and feel more grounded.

3. Dietary Considerations: Maintaining a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can support overall health. Some research suggests that certain dietary changes may impact inflammation levels and mood.

4. Consult Specialists: Since you've had mixed success with previous healthcare providers, look for a urologist or a neurologist with experience in sexual disorders or chronic pain conditions. Consider seeking out a sexual health clinic that specializes in conditions like POIS.

5. Support Groups: Connecting with others who understand what you’re going through can provide emotional relief. Look for online forums or local support groups where experiences and coping strategies are shared.

6. Therapeutic Support: A mental health professional could help address the anxiety and fear associated with your condition. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) has been shown to aid in managing anxiety and developing coping skills.

Remember, you are not alone in this, and it's important to continue seeking medical guidance to find the right approach for you. Engage openly with your partner about your challenges, as her support can be invaluable. Stay hopeful for solutions that may improve your situation.