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P510 Dysorgasmia or pain at orgasm: A case series
Female orgasmic illness syndrome refers to those rare aversive symptoms that have been reported to occur prior to, during, or following orgasm, arbitrarily divided into central or peripheral aversive symptoms. Central aversive symptoms may include disorientation, confusion, impaired judgment, decreased verbal memory, anxiety/agitation/akathisia, insomnia, laughter, dysphoria/crying/depression, fatigue, seizures, muscle weakness/paralysis, and/or headache. Peripheral aversive symptoms may include diarrhea, constipation, muscle ache, sneezing, abdominal pain, diaphoresis, chills, hot flashes, pruritus, facial/ear/foot pain, and genital pain. Symptoms may last for minutes, hours, or days post‐orgasm and varies widely within individuals. More research is needed.
Introduction
The study of the human orgasm has shown a core set of physiologic and psychological symptoms experienced by most individuals. The study of normal sheds light on the abnormal and has spotlighted rare physical and psychological symptoms experienced by some individuals in association with orgasm. These phenomena are rare and, as is typical of rare phenomena, their documentation in the medical literature is largely confined to case studies.
Aim
To identify peri-orgasmic phenomena, defined as unusual physical or psychological symptoms subjectively experienced by some individuals as part of the orgasm response, distinct from the usual or normal orgasm response.
Methods
A list of peri-orgasmic phenomena was made with help from sexual health colleagues and, using this list as a foundation, a literature search was performed of articles published in English.
Main Outcome Measures
Publications included in this review report on physical or psychological phenomena at the time of orgasm that are distinct from psychological, whole-body, and genito-pelvic sensations commonly experienced at the time of orgasm. Cases of physical symptoms related to the physiology of sexual intercourse and not specifically to orgasm were excluded.
Results
Case studies of peri-orgasmic phenomena were reviewed, including cases describing cataplexy (weakness), crying, dysorgasmia, dysphoria, facial and/or ear pain, foot pain, headache, pruritus, laughter, panic attack, post-orgasm illness syndrome, seizures, and sneezing.
Conclusion
The literature review confirms the existence of diverse and frequently replicated peri-orgasmic phenomena. The value of case studies is in the collection and recording of observations so that hypotheses can be formed about the observed phenomena. Accordingly, this review could inspire further research on the neurophysiologic mechanisms of orgasm.
Reinert AE, Simon JA. “Did You Climax or Are You Just Laughing at Me?” Rare Phenomena Associated With Orgasm. Sex Med Rev 2017;5:275–281.
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