Many people suffer from post-coital tristesse (PCT), or emotional distress following sexual activity. There may be a number of reasons for this.
"Tristesse" is the French word for sadness, according to Medicalnewstoday. Post-coital dysphoria is another term used by doctors to describe this phenomenon.
Symptoms
People typically expect to feel calm, content, or happy after a mutually enjoyable sexual encounter.
However, there have been reports of people crying or becoming irritated. Agitation is another possible side effect.
Weeping after sexual activity can also lead to problems in a relationship. When partners maintain their sexual and emotional closeness after the initial excitement of a passionate encounter, they are more likely to feel a sense of fulfillment in their relationships. As a result, PCT has the potential to disrupt this crucial period for establishing rapport.
There are a number of potential causes for post-lovetime tears.
Depression
According to one 2019 study, "current psychological distress" is the single most important factor in explaining PCT.
PCT was more common among those who also suffered from depression, which was the most frequently reported mental health condition among the participants.
Seeing a mental health professional for therapy and, if necessary, medication is a good idea if you're also experiencing other symptoms of depression. Confronting one's fears in this way has been shown to reduce the likelihood of PCT occurring.
Anxiety
Tears are a common reaction to stress, and crying after making love may be the result of releasing physical tension or the pressure of having to give a good performance.
The most effective treatment for anxiety has not yet been determined by science, but cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness training may help. Medication designed to treat anxiety can be helpful as well.
Triggering
Being in love can cause a person to feel more vulnerable and open than they normally would.
Possibly as a result, people are more likely to dwell on painful or traumatic memories.
Emotional reactions to such memories often occur before the person is even aware of them. Victims of abuse of any kind often benefit from talking things over with a professional counselor.
Discomfort in the body
Tender feelings after a passionate encounter aren't always the result of an emotional reaction.
Sexual discomfort is medically referred to as dyspareunia. About 7.5% of women between the ages of 16 and 74 have this condition.
Both psychological and physiological factors could be at play here.
Hormones
PCT can develop when hormone levels drop. To lessen the blow of dopamine drops after an orgasmic session, psychiatrist Mark Shukhman recommends low-dose naltrexone, which is used to treat opioid and alcohol addiction.
Discordant relationships
The presence of tears following sex does not always indicate relationship trouble, but may be indicative of PCT. Most couples find that communicating about the issue is the most helpful way to deal with it.
Communicating openly can strengthen bonds between partners and reassure them that PCT episodes are not indicative of who they are. The PCT partner may experience a greater sense of love and care as a result.
The help of a therapist trained in couples therapy can be invaluable for both partners during this difficult time.