Post-orgasmic illness syndrome: history and current perspectives

Post-orgasmic illness syndrome is a rare disorder causing a debilitating cluster of flu-like and allergic type symptoms that occur within seconds, minutes or hours after ejaculation. Symptoms occur after intercourse, masturbation or spontaneous ejaculation and last from 2 to 7 days. The condition is chronic and follows a primary pattern occurring in adolescence and a secondary acquired pattern with onset later in life. The true incidence is unknown as the condition is likely under-reported and under-diagnosed. The pattern of symptoms suggests an allergic or auto-immune etiology; however, the exact pathophysiology is unknown and there is no effective treatment. Men suffering from post-orgasmic illness syndrome describe emotional trauma and significant impairment of their quality of life.