A sex and relationships expert has offered up some advice, after one confused lover revealed she often finds herself crying after sex.
And before you suggest it, she claimed it wasn't because the boys she bedded were disproportionately disastrous between the sheets.
In fact, she insisted the truth was quite the opposite, and the tears were actually most likely to start flowing just seconds after she'd be brought to orgasm.
The odd phenomenon also occurred, the worried woman added, after she'd bang her own drum, so to speak.
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As cited by Metro this week, the 26-year-old female took to the discussion forum Reddit recently, where she claimed she regularly masturbated as a means of 'letting off steam' and 'get rid of frustration'.
She added, however, that due to her recent sob fests, she's been forced to cut down her 'alone time' for her emotional health. As such, the anonymous poster asked whether her experience was 'normal', or a cause for concern.
Thankfully, it didn't take long for other singletons to join the discussion, admitting they endure a similar experience whereby sex usually ends with the sudden urge to winge.
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On top of the online support, a professional 'sexpert' also rushed to the woman's defence, explaining that the sensation is usually an innate emotional response, during which hormones like oxytocin, serotonin, and dopamine are released while achieving the big-O.
These chemicals sent signals to both the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems within the body, and in doing so, can bring on tears.
Said professional even went as far as to title the experience. It turns out that, what many internet users have jokingly branded a 'post-nut cry', could actually be the result of 'post-coital dysphoria' (PCD).
(Just a little FYI for any boomers reading this, to 'nut' is a slang word used to describe the process of both ejaculation in men, and orgasm in women.)
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"PCD - often referred to as the 'post-sex blues' - is when someone experiences feelings of sadness or agitation after consensual sex, even if the sexual encounter was loving and pleasurable," sex and relationships psychotherapist Gigi Engle recently told Metro.
"This can happen whether orgasm was experienced or not, but often is a comorbidity with orgasm."
She added, however, that it isn't just crying that can be brought on my these hormonal changes, but laughing.
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"This used to happen to me with my husband occasionally," another Reddit user agreed. "I would orgasm, then laugh hysterically and then my emotions would take a sharp turn and I would start crying and feeling really upset. Definitely a hormone thing."
A third also claimed: "It only has happened a few times for me. The orgasm was so hard and emotional I was just overwhelmed. Sex is emotional. Anyone who says it isn’t, is busy trying to deny it."
That's not to say the experience isn't somewhat unnerving, however. And as such, Engle has issued some advice to those attempted to get a grip on their 'post-nut crying'.
Firstly, she advised cutting yourself some slack. So what if you shed a few tears? Every single sexual encounter - either alone or with another person - is different! As such, your physical reaction to these chemical changes isn't something to be ashamed of.
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Next, she says to take a minute after orgasm to consider how you're really feeling, rather than simply pushing any sadness to the side. Aftercare is key, Engle adds, suggested practicing mindful meditation after sex to restore the body's sense of calm.
If you find that, upon reflection, the tears have been triggered by something in particular, it's important to explore this. In some cases, it could be that sexual trauma is the root cause of the crying, or an undetermined mental health condition.
Topics: Sex and Relationships, Real Life, Health, Mental Health, Women's Health
Rhianna Benson