Treatments for postorgasmic illness syndrome: a systematic review

Area of Science:

• Sexual Medicine
• Neurology
• Immunology

Background:

• Postorgasmic illness syndrome (POIS) is a rare condition characterized by post-orgasm illness.
• It significantly impacts quality of life, yet remains poorly understood with limited effective treatments.
• Current therapeutic approaches lack standardization, necessitating evaluation of existing management strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and evaluate current treatment modalities for POIS.
• To compile studied and tested solutions for POIS management.
• To address the critical need for documented and evaluated POIS treatments.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive search of PubMed, Embase, and Scopus databases was conducted in June 2024.
• Included were clinical studies, randomized controlled trials, and case reports on POIS treatment.
• 14 studies met inclusion criteria from 58 initially identified.

Main Results:

• The review included 1 cross-sectional study, 1 cohort study, and 12 case reports, with most focusing on male patients.
• Pharmacological treatments discussed include antihistamines, NSAIDs, hormone therapy, steroids, SSRIs, and others.
• Immune treatments (autologous semen injections, immunotherapy) and surgical options (vasoligation, epididymectomy) were also mentioned.

Conclusions:

• Rarity and low recognition are major limitations to POIS research.
• POIS research is increasing, with global collaboration to understand its pathophysiology.
• Further investigation into POIS treatment modalities is ongoing to address associated symptoms.