[demografx]

It would have been interesting to understand why you have had this reaction with wellbutrin.

No idea, Martin. Some people just react badly to certain meds. I also reacted badly to an antianxiety agent called Buspar. Now I stick to caffeine []

[demografx]

Also, why do you [Dr Matt] refer to yourself as "Dr."  Do you have an MD or a PhD?  And can you tell us more about your POIS history?

Good luck, Counterpoints, I hope he answers. I asked the exact same questions. No reply.

[demografx]

Once upon a time ago this old nun told me
Do THAT and you'll go blind
So how could I resist the urge
To do THAT all the time

I stopped when I needed glasses []

EXCELLENT lyrics in your post, girlwind!

[girlwind]

Once upon a time ago this old nun told me
Do THAT and you'll go blind
So how could I resist the urge
To do THAT all the time

I stopped when I needed glasses []

EXCELLENT lyrics in your post, girlwind!

Thanks, that was a good release. No pun intended.  []

[hurray]

POIS does not prevent me rattling through a tune I know well on the piano (albeit without that much feeling, as Counterpoints said) - if I was trying to play an unfamiliar piece, however, POIS would be a huge handicap (my sight reading is not that great).

When it comes to driving a car, you would expect that to be a complex activity that POIS would affect substantially. In fact, it does not affect my driving nearly as badly as many other aspects of my life.

Perhaps activities that you can do with little concentration due to a very high degree of practice (motor skills) are less badly affected than activities that require more creative thought/social ability/executive brain control?

[demografx]

Perhaps activities that you can do with little concentration due to a very high degree of practice (motor skills) are less badly affected than activities that require more creative thought/social ability/executive brain control?

I agree 100%, hurray. I compare it to driving impairment while under the influence. Routine (practiced, as you say) driving - especially on routes well-traveled previously - may go relatively smoothly. But throw in the unexpected (a girl runs out toward you chasing her ball) - and that's when terrible accidents happen: creative and quick judgment go out the window.

I wouldn't be surprised if "in POIS" driving - when the unexpected occurs - can cause accidents!

[imre1]

There is a section on "over-masturbation" (http://herballove.com/article.asp?Art=216) which describes many of the horrible symptoms of POIS - especially brain fog. 

pyropeach.......Very interesting article!

I don't think that this could be related to POIS tough.

The symptoms of POIS occur after every orgasm even in the case where there is a whole month between releases. If once a month is too much. When is it not?

Also symptoms of POIS are proportional to the intensity of orgasm. Less time between orgasms mean degradation of orgasm and less severe symptoms (it is contra-intuitive, but it is true).

[imre1]

Now for the realy unconventional question. (Many are not going to like this, but the question should be asked at least once anyway).

What would be the result of suppressed homosexuality on dopamine and prolactin production?

One would think that if you have sex with people you are not sexualy attracted to dopamine would be low and as a result prolactin would be high.

In this case i am actually thinking about a built-in defense system that seems to be very heavily engaged in some people and is intended to make sure that you do not have sex with people of the wrong gender.

[imre1]

My best success at celibacy has come when I framed orgasm always in my mind as "horrible and hateful" rather than "delightful though obnoxious." It's important to keep busy; to keep the mind from wandering. I can stay celibate when I work about 70% of my waking day, weekends included. If one is sure to go to bed physically exhausted there isn't much energy left for erotic thoughts or sex acts.

I believe that if one thinks of sexual abstinence in terms of a fierce battle of life against death, not of a playful game of temptation and refusal with a guilty pleasure, his mind will not betray him, even in sleep.

There's no way to fully avoid thoughts of sex, but if one doesn't let his mind grasp onto them and run away with them, he won't find himself regretting yet another orgasm.

Two words: beta blockers!

Any suggestions/recommendations for treatments read and shared here are purely just for information purposes and must first be talked about with your GP. Please note that any referrals to treatments are down to peoples own personal opinions and that everybody's bio-chemistry is different...plus, you must consider the reactions with existing medications that you may be on and the possibility of allergic reactions too.

Please note that whilst we hope you find the info here interesting and informative on The Naked Scientists website, it really is just for general information purposes and does not constitute bona-fide authoritative advice and thus no assurances regarding the accuracy or applicability in relation to your own specific situation is given. PLEASE SEE YOUR DOCTOR before commencing a new treatment.

[imre1]

Hi All

Searching the net because of a problem that has arisen.  Not sure if what I have experienced falls into this section or not.  Therefore please be patient with me, and hopefully someone out there can help with trying to establish what it is and what can be done about it.

The other day sun shining etc. etc. everything was fine until orgasm, then nothing or at least I do not remember a thing, I had an orgasm, I got the tissues and lay back, but not a thing I remember.  After about 5 minutes I was aware that we had done something, but couldn't recall a thing.  Slowly some information came back right up until the orgasm but not after that.

I felt generally bad, I had a headache but not splitting, my brain felt almost light headed, a strange feeling, which I do find difficult to explain.  I feel/felt very tired have a lot of naps, and have slept well after the episode.

It all happened on sunday and as I write this it is now 3 days ago, I still have the light headed feeling, my headache comes and goes.  I have been to my GP who has discounted any form of TIA, which is good, but is sending me for more in-depth tests just in case.

This is the first major event like this, although I do remember a while ago I had a similar event but it was only minor, and I just brushed it aside.  We have had  normal relations since that first time, and nothing until sunday whcih is far more major

I am not asking for a clinical diagnosis, but was wondering if anyone else has expereiced this and can shed any light on it.

Many thanks for your time and attention, and look forward to your response.

Kind regards

Phil

Seems like you need a neurologist. (Ensist on a good one, open to male sexuality (which mostly excludes women doctors)).

[imre1]

Phil, I actually don't think this is POIS.  It sounds like post-coital headache. 

Was my first idea too.

But passing out at the point of having "the worst headache of your live"? Including memory loss?

It is of course possible, even likely. Abstenance of a few weeks should work then.

[imre1]

Yes, we have [edit: seen headaches before], demografx. 

I think that what counterpoints means is that i don't have it either. And I think that he is right.

I am also just giving pointers to things that seem obvious in a larger context of dealing with post orgasmic symptoms.

Because I sure have *something* that has always been there and will never go away.

[Counterpoints]

Yes, we have [edit: seen headaches before], demografx. 

I think that what counterpoints means is that i don't have it either. And I think that he is right.

I am also just giving pointers to things that seem obvious in a larger context of dealing with post orgasmic symptoms.

Because I sure have *something* that has always been there and will never go away.

imre1, I think you did have a form of POIS.  It lasted for years, it was somewhat consistent, and you shared many of our symptoms.

How are you doing now?  Are the beta-blockers still working?  Are you taking anything else?  Have you had any more tests?

I have been on bisoprolol 5 mg/day for a month now.  I have noticed moderate improvement, but I don't know whether or not I can attribute it to the bisoprolol.  I am going to move to 10 mg/day and see what happens.  Of course, you had headaches, and some other symptoms, that I didn't.  (So I'm not saying if it doesn't work for me it isn't working for you). 

Also, I don't consistently have high blood pressure.  It's usually about 120/70.  However, sometimes when I go to the pharmacy I measure it and am very surprised.  It's 165/110, or something alarmingly high.  This doesn't directly coincide with POIS symptoms, but there may be a relation.

My question:  did you always have high blood pressure? (if so, what was it approximately?)  From your posts, it's something you seem to have suspected way before you started on beta blockers.  If you did know you had high BP, why didn't you try a beta blocker (or ACE inhibitor) sooner?   

[Counterpoints]

Now for the realy unconventional question. (Many are not going to like this, but the question should be asked at least once anyway).

What would be the result of suppressed homosexuality on dopamine and prolactin production?

One would think that if you have sex with people you are not sexualy attracted to dopamine would be low and as a result prolactin would be high.

I'm not sure what the result on the neurochemicals would be.  If you're having sex with someone you're not attracted to, the experience would probably be lessened in most aspects (e.g. less dopamine and prolactin?). 

[demografx]

...symptoms of POIS are proportional to the intensity of orgasm. Less time between orgasms mean degradation of orgasm and less severe symptoms (it is contra-intuitive, but it is true).

Imre1, I think we're all different.

One of my most intense POIS episodes came from a VERY weak orgasm (I was shocked because I expected what you said, i.e., LESS severe POIS). This has happened to me repeatedly.

Also, less time between orgasms means more severe symptoms...for me.

[Dr. Matt]

Critical Care Pharmacist since 1994, 2 years in Medical School 2006-2007, dropped out due to cost and politics within the system. 10 Computer certifications, 4 degrees; BS Chemistry 1989, Pharm D. 1994, BS System Administration 1998, MS Computer information systems 2005.

Yes, indeed, Wellbutrin (buproprion) worked best for the POIS, was very instramental in 1999 in getting back an almost normal life.

For those people that Levitra, Cialis or Viagra seem to help. The problem may be with a vascular disorder related to Phosphodiesterase. All three ED drugs are Phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors. Since ED drugs are so expensive, all of you may want to try a non-specific phosophodiesterase inhibitor like Theophylline. (Theophylline is essentially caffiene with a methyl group attached to it, it is in the classification of a methylxanthine and is considered to be safe, but can cause irritability). The exact milligram strength for phosphodiesterase inhibition may vary, 300mg sustained release seems to alliviate my symptoms but causes irritability and difficulty sleeping, which makes it prohibitive.

Theophylline can also be obtained in smaller quantities from Coffee, Tea and Chocolate.


Dr. Matt

Any suggestions/recommendations for treatments read and shared here are purely just for information purposes and must first be talked about with your GP. Please note that any referrals to treatments are down to peoples own personal opinions and that everybody's bio-chemistry is different...plus, you must consider the reactions with existing medications that you may be on and the possibility of allergic reactions too.

Please note that whilst we hope you find the info here interesting and informative on The Naked Scientists website, it really is just for general information purposes and does not constitute bona-fide authoritative advice and thus no assurances regarding the accuracy or applicability in relation to your own specific situation is given. PLEASE SEE YOUR DOCTOR before commencing a new treatment.

[Dr. Matt]

Oh, another thing that I wanted to mention. Those people taking Glucophage (Metformin) for Diabetes. Metformin can heavily contribute to Adrenal insufficiency and severely exacerbate PIOS.

Any suggestions/recommendations for treatments read and shared here are purely just for information purposes and must first be talked about with your GP. Please note that any referrals to treatments are down to peoples own personal opinions and that everybody's bio-chemistry is different...plus, you must consider the reactions with existing medications that you may be on and the possibility of allergic reactions too.

Please note that whilst we hope you find the info here interesting and informative on The Naked Scientists website, it really is just for general information purposes and does not constitute bona-fide authoritative advice and thus no assurances regarding the accuracy or applicability in relation to your own specific situation is given. PLEASE SEE YOUR DOCTOR before commencing a new treatment.

[tarkington]

Hey,

I believe I have been suffering from POIS for about 5 or 6 years.  I am only 20 years old.  I at first thought that my symptoms were caused from religious guilt.  But whenever I have an orgasm from masturbation I feel miserable for EXACTLY 3 days.  It is like a clock.  As soon as I release I feel an intense warm feeling in my body.  That night I am unable to sleep.  I sweat alot even though I am not hot. 
The following day I feel mildly depressed and nervous and confused.  My mind feels so different than before my release.  The second day is the worse and I try not to even talk to anyone.  It is so depressing.  I just don't feel like myself.  The third day I begin to feel better.  After exactly 72 hours I feel fine.  This happens everytime.  BUt I suffer no physical pain.  It's all mental.  I am worried because I am so young.  I want to marry but I want to feel normal after I have sex. 
At first I thought that these symptoms would disappear after I got married due to religious reasons.  Now, after reading this forum I have doubts.  I currently go for about a month without an orgasm because I can't stand the after effects.  But I have such a stong sex drive I can't permantely avoid orgasm.  I take no medicine and I am in perfect physical condition. I just want to enjoy pleasure but act normal.  I don't know what to do.. anyone want to help?
I have spent the last year or two experimenting with various mental opinions while masturbating to no avail.  I am sure I must be suffering from POIS and I am so glad I am not alone.

[demografx]

Since ED drugs are so expensive, all of you may want to try a non-specific phosophodiesterase inhibitor like Theophylline.

First, "all of you may want to try" is just irresponsible for you to say, especially coming from a pharmacist. Please choose your words more carefully.

Matt, I have been working hard to post warnings and not encourage ED drugs, unless someone has ED (yes, I have it and yes, it works for my POIS).

Warnings on the internet, though not fully corroborated, have included concerns about ED drugs affecting the heart and also potential concerns about blindness.

Also, even for those with ED, before rushing into your idea of Theophylline, I think some research needs to be done as to why Levitra works for me, yet Cialis was an abominable failure. I would welcome your thoughts about that.

Again, a personal physician's full and open cooperation is critical.

Keep in mind that people can get desperate with POIS and try anything. And, as I'm sure you're aware, ED drugs are easily available on the internet. All the more dangerous.

[demografx]

TARKINGTON, welcome to The POIS Forum! I would recommend reading through some of the back posts. You will see your own story and you will see some things that are safe to try and others that you can discuss with a physician.

Meanwhile, sit back, relax and watch the POIS video created by our listmember "girlwind":

TARKINGTON, thank you very much for posting your story. In one short year we have made tremendous progress here, so don't give up!