Ejaculation isn’t always the geyser of bliss that bators often celebrate. Orgasm allergy, also known as Post-Orgasmic Illness Syndrome (POIS), is a rare condition causing symptoms similar to the flu after men reach climax. Talk about a ruined orgasm!
Chances of an orgasm allergy are slim
While the number of men who suffer from this disease is quite small, the personal impact can be overpowering and its symptoms are no joke. The physical and mental distress caused by the disease can lead to relationship problems and prevent men from being fully-engaged with their sexuality.
Symptoms typically last about seven days and include muscle aches, abdominal pain, itchy eyes, and runny nose. Some men have even reported cognitive impairment such as brain fog. The illness can also have a big impact on their quality of life. Avoiding sex or even masturbation can lead to other problems that generally make life less enjoyable.
Horny cells triggered
According to People, One case involves a 22-year-old who suffered from POIS and initially thought he was allergic to his own semen before being diagnosed. A skin test showed that contact with his ejaculate wasn’t the issue. After orgasm, his body’s own immune cells were triggering what amounted to an allergic reaction.
He struggled with weakness, malaise, a runny nose, and itchy eyes. His symptoms began about 2-3 hours after ejaculation — and by 8-10 hours, they were worse, progressing to conjunctivitis, abdominal pain, muscle pain — and cognitive impairment that he described as his brain “not functioning.
While some bators might enjoy edging or delaying their orgasm, there’s not much choice involved with POIS. Either you avoid reaching climax or you suffer the consequences. Choosing to simply “rub-one-out” will cause an episode that can last for several days. The reality is that a little self-pleasure can lead to missing work or other social commitments.
Tailor-made treatments
The causes of the disease are unknown and research on the condition is scarce. One patient who was treated with a common asthma medication found relief with continuous ongoing treatment. If he stopped taking the medication, however, the symptoms came back.
In the case of the 22-year-old, he was treated with omalizumab — known in the U.S. as Xolair — which can treat hives and asthma. The omalizumab resulted in a “complete resolution of symptoms,” the case study said, adding that after 7 months, he stopped taking the medication — which resulted in the syndrome’s return.
Effective treatment of the disease varies per individual and might mean a tailor-made approach for each case. In addition to the asthma medication, Xolair, similar success has been had with antihistamines and some anti-inflammatory drugs.
The hope is that men who suffer from an orgasm allergy (POIS) can have active and healthy sex lives once again. A proper diagnosis is the first step, followed by a treatment plan to ensure that busting a nut continues to be a joyful and rewarding experience.
Read the full article on People
