Anxiety symptoms after sex? - Anxiety Message Board

Steven45 · 07-10-2008, 03:25 PM

Hi

I was just wondering if the very act of having sex can cause a person to experience anxiety, panic attacks or heart palpitations. I never get this after just masturbating but every time (for at least the last 5-6 years) I have had "real" sex, within several hours, I find my anxiety/fear/adrenalin level going up to the point where it can last for days and drive me nuts. Sometimes I just feel "off" or unwell or even allergic after having sex. I'm a male in his 40's by the way.

I've kind of surmised that with masturbation (which is just a simple "release") there is really not all that much pleasure or any "deep" or emotional feelings that go along with the act unlike real sex in which the hormones and other chemicals are flowing and things are really getting steamy. I'm wondering if this is the reason I get the whole anxiety/adrenalin/fear/panic/heart palps thing ONLY when I have real sex and not when I simply masturbate.

Can anyone else here relate to this?. Does anyone else here have all (or most) of these symptoms within a few hours following sexual relations?.

PS: I'm not talking about fear of getting a disease from having sex - I'm only talking about symptoms of anxiety that occur as a result of the act itself.

- Thanks, Steve

diva2008 · 07-12-2008, 08:13 AM

Hi!
I find that I get this when my anxiety is particularly bad, especially when I was going through Relationship OCD with my bf. I dunno why it happens but it get that uneasy and tense feeling, just like general anxiety and sometimes my relationship OCD can kick back in like "was I thinkthin about someone else? did i really enjoy that? Was I faking it? Do I really love him? etc etc".
It must be from all the emotions/hormones/chemicals that go mental when you have sex. Wierd!!!!

elnino · 07-14-2008, 12:17 AM

I'm 38 and used to get this all the time. I'm not getting these symptoms presently, but used to get them pretty frequently about a year ago. I remember once having sex, then looking around outside for a hospital because I was having a panic attack ... and she was with me thinking ... "what is up with this dude." Yeah, it was terrific. My theory was that sex is a whole body activity that is vigorous and simultaneously triggers the release of hormones, etc. I never used to get it while masturbating either.

codysmom2004 · 07-18-2008, 01:50 PM

I get this as well. I actually experience many symptoms during sex. When I start to get hot and sweaty I sometimes will start to feel like I am passing out. The only conclusion I have some up with in my case is my breathing. I catch myself holding my breathe sometimes or almost hyperventilating. The after affects are the same for me. I think the body is just so stimulated all those strange feelings trigger the anxiety. I wish I could find some way to get rid of it, I know that!!

wishing2bwell · 07-18-2008, 03:47 PM

I'm glad I found this thread - I'm not alone! From counceling - which I no longer advocate, I figured my anxiety came from things brought up during sessions. Was I molested... etc. I've even had to stop watching porn because it causes me to panic.
elnino, I have just about come that close myself after having sex or even right before - like I'm doing something 'wrong'. It's miserable. How do you tell someone having sex with them (anyone) may cause you to freak out?