Experiencing Dizziness Post-Intercourse
I’m a 37-year-old female, standing at 5'5" and weighing 200 pounds. I don’t smoke, and I only drink alcohol on occasion. Currently, I’m on Humira to manage my Ankylosing Spondylitis and Crohn's disease. Recently, after each of the last four sexual encounters with my husband, I’ve encountered significant dizziness. Following our last encounter on Monday night, I continued to feel dizzy all the way through Wednesday morning. Although it’s less severe now, it still lingers, and during the onset, it was distressing enough to make driving uncomfortable. I tried taking meclizine, but it didn’t bring any relief. In each instance, I was lying on my back when the dizziness set in. I doubt that dehydration or physical exertion is the root cause, as I maintain a regular exercise regimen and stay well-hydrated. Additionally, I believed it might be linked to blood sugar levels, so I made a point to have some sweets beforehand, but this did not alleviate the symptoms. Despite attempting vertigo exercises, there was no improvement. I have an appointment scheduled with my rheumatologist this Friday, after having undergone blood tests yesterday. The results showed only slight abnormalities, such as elevated levels of eosinophils and basophils, a consistently elevated sedimentation rate for my condition, and the presence of anisocytosis. I’m quite frustrated that these symptoms persist, although there has been some improvement. I appreciate any guidance or suggestions you may have!
Answers (1)
9/3/2025, 11:20:44 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you’re experiencing concerning dizziness after sexual encounters, and it’s understandable that this is frustrating and distressing for you. Given your background with Ankylosing Spondylitis and Crohn's disease and your current treatment with Humira, there are several factors to consider that might be contributing to these symptoms.
Possible Causes:
- Positional Changes: Lying on your back can affect blood flow and may lead to dizziness in some people, especially if there's a sudden change in position.
- Medication Side Effects: Humira and other medications for autoimmune conditions can sometimes cause dizziness or lightheadedness.
- Hormonal Factors: Physical intimacy can stimulate various physiological responses that can occasionally trigger dizziness.
- Dehydration or Blood Sugar: Although you mentioned staying hydrated and keeping an eye on blood sugar, fluctuations may still occur, especially during more intense physical activity.
Next Steps:
- Monitor Symptoms: Keep a detailed diary of your symptoms, noting the time of your encounters, any positions used, and how long the dizziness lasts. This can help identify patterns.
- Position Variations: Experiment with different positions during intercourse to see if certain positions trigger dizziness more than others.
- Fluid Intake: Continue to hydrate well before and after sexual activity. Consider electrolyte drinks if you feel that dehydration may be an issue.
- Gentle Movement: After intercourse, try standing up slowly or sitting for a few moments to see if this alleviates symptoms.
- Discuss with Your Doctor: Bring these findings to your rheumatologist appointment. They might want to review your medication regime or consider other tests (like a cardiac evaluation) if dizziness persists.
Encouragement:
It's good that you’re proactive about your symptoms and have a rheumatologist appointment coming up. Don’t hesitate to share your experiences, as they can provide valuable insight and adjust treatment if necessary. In the meantime, focus on self-care and be gentle with yourself as you navigate these symptoms. If you experience any new or worsening symptoms, please pay attention to those as well.
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