[SteveD]

You should check out what she and her partner have written about this. http://www.reuniting.info/science/sex_in_the_brain
It might be very enlightening for you.

Girlwind,

My partner and I just finished reading your link recommendation. It was not enlightening, but it was very comforting and we both really appreciated it.
What she and I sense is that whether we travel guided by our feelings (as we do) or whether we eruditely study neurochemical treatises we arrive at the same truthful place.
Thank you.

[SteveD]

But since my GAD has remained,

CP , forgive my ignorance , but what is GAD?

Perhaps we should be looking at more than just orgasm, albeit orgasm the apparent precipitating act. This is why I think for some people POIS seems like a near permanent condition rather than a strict post orgasm issue.

If we were studying heart disease would we fearfully not study pre-infarction conditions?

[SteveD]

I mean Underwater!

[demografx]

"ombass" pharmaceuticals?

Not sure at all if it's the same "ombass", but I wonder if someone is selling a "cure" in this photo? []
http://flickr.com/photos/ombass/

An amazing coincidence, though, the name here is "Jason" (a self-described "psychedelic individual" on this website) and..."Jason" was the name on his email reply back to me...

[demografx]

Don't panic !

No panic, B_Jim. Cool as a cucumber.
http://www.bigoven.com/uploads/cucumber.jpg

[demografx]

forgive my ignorance , but what is GAD?

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

[underwater]

Steve--
As Demo observed, GAD stands for a generalized anxiety disorder. For me, it is a parallel condition to POIS. When GAD is present, which historically for me is a long 2 or so year episode, it multiplies the symptoms of POIS. I use the word multiply, because the symptoms are very similar. When GAD is gone (which I am expecting soon w/ help of psychiatrist), then POIS will most likely -if history is repeated for me- stand by itself as my major disability. Since for me, as GAD has psychological, chemical and genetic components, I have always considered POIS to have the same components. What distinguishes POIS is its discrete time frame and its flowing onset after orgasm. And then I wait for it to lift after X number of days. I look at POIS as a unique event, but for me as you can see, I just can't separate it from my larger condition. Over the years, I have come to believe that key hormones such a prolactin, cortisol may play a part as well as all our neuotransmitters such as epinephrine, gaba and dopamine. But I absolutely know (but will not share my psychological and my behaviour history) that there is a "rock solid case" for a concommitant psychological and behavioural genesis, if not actual cause. Thus for me, POIS is a clear trigger, but probably built upon a complex past. Thus, I try to work on all aspects of POIS to diminish it: exercise, sleep, nutrition, my mind, my back, supplements, psychiatrist, chiropractor , you know all the stuff we talk about all the time. The important thing for me is to try to remain calm if my experiments and personal therapies don't yield immediate fruit. I can be walking on the beach and feel like I'm in bliss for a couple of hours, all problems vanished. Then hours later, I'm feeling lousy. I have not had "O" for about 6 weeks. But since I'm feeling significantly better the last 10 days or so generally, and hope this is a sign that GAD is going, I don't want an "O" to interfere. Basically, I don't want POIS to interfere with the (hopeful) conclusion of this GAD episode for me. Some people have to take powerful meds for GAD such as SSRI's or Benzos for very long periods of time or forever. I have taken them in the past but I can get off. I'm free of them right now. Some people are lucky, take them all the time and "seem" happy as can be. Others sink into a horrendous pit, because they screw up their whole nervous system. I don't know what the statistics are. For me, I prefer natural methods. By the way, when I have used these powerful meds, I take subtherapeutic amounts, which is very strange and shouldn't really amount to much. But they do!!

[demografx]

Do you think that fatigue/exhaustion are major symptoms of POIS?

I think of course fatigue and exhaustion are major symptoms. There are few cases of Pois without any fatigue. But fatigue is a so inaccurate symptom.
Some cases have general fatigue (lack of energy), mental fatigue (can't focus), muscular fatigue... Yes, fatigue can be consiered as the chief symptom.
At this moment, my idea is we can make 2 groups : cases with  and without flulike symptoms.

Thank you, B_Jim! I'd like to see Counterpoints reply.

[underwater]

Regarding fatigue as a symptom of POIS--
For me, I measure it against my normal, non-pois condition-
I am more tired swimming. I don't feel like I have the requisite energy to do work that requires significant concentration. I would call it fatigue, physical and "mental"; but for me it falls short of exhaustion. However, if I were to be hit with multiple pois episodes during a short period, then I could call it, perhaps, exhaustion. I haven't quite understood "brain fog" as it has been used here. I think classification is essential to any endeavor to understand POIS. However, intuitively, I think there may ultimately be 100's of symptoms or more, not unlike other nervous system illnesses, notwithstanding the fact that POIS has a specific, powerful trigger.
Perhaps as we come up with specific remedies that begin to make inroads into POIS, we will see a pattern emerge [as certain remedies improve certain symptoms]. But classification is very important, as it may point the direction to additional, broader descriptors to POIS or perhaps even a different term that is "POIS LIKE."

[SickLifeSaver]

hello everyone,  I am new to this forum and hope someone can help.  For the past several years my sexual relations have been severely hindered by a sudden onset of severe nausea, weakness, and hot flushing feeling immediately after ejaculation. It has not been a severe as the cases (duration wise) as I have seen in these post, but has basically forced me to avoid sexual activity.  I also a major increase in heartrate.  I have a full physical exam and even wore a halter monitor to rule out arrhythmias.  The only time I have these feeling is with ejaculation.  I currently do not take any medications, but have been treated for depression in the past and do not feel like I am depressed now.  I allergic to buspar so that would not help.  Does anyone know what this could be and if any treatment is available?  I am in NC and none of the doctors I have seen to know or are willing to answer anything about it.

[SteveD]

hello everyone,  I am new to this forum and hope someone can help.  For the past several years my sexual relations have been severely hindered by a sudden onset of severe nausea, weakness, and hot flushing feeling immediately after ejaculation. It has not been a severe as the cases (duration wise) as I have seen in these post, but has basically forced me to avoid sexual activity.  I also a major increase in heartrate.  I have a full physical exam and even wore a halter monitor to rule out arrhythmias.  The only time I have these feeling is with ejaculation.  I currently do not take any medications, but have been treated for depression in the past and do not feel like I am depressed now.  I allergic to buspar so that would not help.  Does anyone know what this could be and if any treatment is available?  I am in NC and none of the doctors I have seen to know or are willing to answer anything about it.

There are a number of us here , using different techniques, to ameliorate this disease, that have found relief. You're in the right place.

[SteveD]

Perhaps as we come up with specific remedies that begin to make inroads into POIS, we will see a pattern emerge. But classification is very important, as it may point the direction to additional, broader descriptors to POIS or perhaps even a different term that is "POIS LIKE."

                    Total % loss...For me
1) openness to dating    2% loss
2) dating                     5% loss
3) arousal behavior      10% loss
4) genital contact         20%loss
5) orgasmic sexuality   95% loss

After a two day experiment at stage 2), for us, dating, my partner and I went back to stage 4), for us, non orgasmic genital contact.

I'm feeling fatigued, confused, flushed, tired, runny nose, arthritic in my knees and lower back.
I'm negotiating with my partner to do a three day experiment at stage 2, for us, after the long weekend and before a three day trip we have next week.

[underwater]

Steve--
My lower back issues are tied into POIS and my GAD. When I get anxious, there goes my lower back. It is so tied into it that if I fix my back, GAD diminishes. If GAD diminishes it helps my back!!It is even tied into POIS. My nervous system is integrated, real integrated. These things have helped with my back whenever it flares:
ice, electrostimulation (at chiropractor), massage of lower abdominal muscles (see Trigger Point Therapy Workbook by Clair Davies--This seems counter intuitive, but it's not). I have noticed (not 100%) that many times the ice (on back) works moderately to diminish GAD and POIS. I have also noticed that electrostimulation at chiropractor has worked with both; same with massage. I have no idea if it would help you. For me, it seems like my brain is connected to my pelvic area. No sh1t. It's weird. Maybe I have POIS and post orgasmic neurosis.

[underwater]

Hi SickLifeSaver---
I'm "relatively new" here too. This is without a doubt the BEST PLACE to seriously discuss this illness and related issues. I find that engaging in "conversation" with other members is tremendously beneficial. This forum has already made contributions to diminishing POIS (some concrete observations), and I believe that many new and valuable observations will be shared this year. Personally, I can relate to your: hot flushing, nausea, weakness, increased heart rate, and your past history of depression. I get those and a few more. I also have anxiety and depression issues, separately and tied into POIS. I've had this crap 20-30 years. I'm very optimistic.
WELCOME--------------------------------------------------------------------------

[demografx]

hello everyone,  I am new to this forum and hope someone can help.  For the past several years my sexual relations have been severely hindered by a sudden onset of severe nausea, weakness, and hot flushing feeling immediately after ejaculation. It has not been a severe as the cases (duration wise) as I have seen in these post, but has basically forced me to avoid sexual activity.  I also a major increase in heartrate.  I have a full physical exam and even wore a halter monitor to rule out arrhythmias.  The only time I have these feeling is with ejaculation.  I currently do not take any medications, but have been treated for depression in the past and do not feel like I am depressed now.  I allergic to buspar so that would not help.  Does anyone know what this could be and if any treatment is available?  I am in NC and none of the doctors I have seen to know or are willing to answer anything about it.

SickLifeSaver, welcome to the POIS thread of the Naked Science Forum.

As Underwater and Steve noted, this is a great place to discuss your post-ejaculatory problems.

I wish we had a magic answer for you, but we're still looking for treatment answers ourselves.

I would suggest going through the posts and finding similarities to your case - - and that might spark some ideas for you! For example, this link directly below will show you the previous posts here for "flushing", one of your symptoms. Note that the message ID number, although it changes, will tell you approximately where you can find the post. Your first message post above, for example, is MessageID 218146, found under your name.
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=hot+flushing+POIS+site%3Ahttp%3A%2F%2Fthenakedscientists.com

Other sources which may be helpful:

Please see "B_Jim"'s POIS Forum Summary of All Cases, here as well as others on the Web. MessageID: 149009
http://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/index.php?topic=6576.msg149009#msg149009

"Girlwind" has created an excellent POIS Video. A first!

And filling out the POIS survey created by "Counterpoints" will enable you to share POIS information and details with others here. This will also enable us to work more easily with outside researchers by having more organized data available about us:
http://pois.olympe-network.com/


SickLifeSaver, we're looking forward to more of your posts!

Don't give up!

[demografx]

SickLifeSaver, you may also wish to get a copy of the first study done on this malady/illness called POIS. More details below.

Then bring it to your doctor. We have had the same problem as you with medical credibility: most doctors don't understand our condition.

Many of us see POIS' problem as hormonal, so you may think of seeing a local endocrinologist (which I am doing). The co-author of the paper below is an endocrinologist. Other Forum members here have other ideas of the "best" medical practitioner to see. You will see that by searching the posts.


POIS Research Study

The first and only study on POIS by Dr. Marcel Waldinger,MD and Dr. David Schweitzer, MD.

If anyone wants a copy (PDF), send "Pyropeach" a Private Message with your email address and he'll send you back the PDF.

To send a Private Message, click on "Messages" at the top of this page. At the Messages page, click on "New Message". From that point on, it works just like posting a message here, except that it only goes to the person(s) you designate.

Remember to put a quote around the recipient's name, e.g., "pyropeach".

[SteveD]

Steve--
 My nervous system is integrated, real integrated. For me, it seems like my brain is connected to my pelvic area. It's weird. I have no idea if it would help you

It's all integrated for me, too....and I'll try anything. Today it was fasting and two 6 ounce glasses of wheatgrass.


After doing yoga for an hour, at sunset, on the San Francisco Bay beach...talk about lucky...I was talking to my partner about how I feel surpisingly badly today. I would expect that if I were orgasmic, with the accompanying 375% increase in symptoms (see below), but I'm not. Then, I realized that moving from dating to genital contact is a 300% increase in symptoms...The road looks like it may be beginning to narrow.

 Total % loss...For me
1) openness to dating    2% loss
2) dating                     5% loss
3) arousal behavior      10% loss
4) genital contact         20%loss
5) orgasmic sexuality   95% loss

[Pro]

Hello-

I am new here. This is utterly amazing how I found this  (searching google to see wtf is up). For a long time (after masturbating for 20 years) I have been living in an "unawakened" state. The effects are not at all unlike those I have read here (I am glad I'm not alone in this)- let me tell you my side effects :

Failure, Brain fog, anger, irritability, confusion, back pain, tiredness, loss of self-confidence, disassociation, anxiety, depression, guilt AND the urge to repeat the process...

I could go on but these effects are enough to completely alter (or destroy) one's life. The peculiar thing is that despite the observation that I thought it MIGHT be causing these things, I continued (and maybe continue?) to do it. I have been taking antidepressants for a few years...

My theory is that some people are more susceptible to having this disabling illness just as some people are more susceptible to having depression or alcoholism.

Of course, guilt is one of the symptoms of depression. I am non-religious. But this illness may be the source of some religions teachings for abstinence etc. This is huge... but WHY is this here? WHY has it destroyed my life- or has it?

[SteveD]

Hello-

I am new here. This is utterly amazing how I found this  (searching google to see wtf is up). For a long time (after masturbating for 20 years) I have been living in an "unawakened" state.
My theory is that some people are more susceptible to having this disabling illness just as some people are more susceptible to alcoholism.

This is huge... but WHY is this here? WHY has it destroyed my life- or has it?

Pro,

Welcome.

 I don't know why I have it either, but, like you, I think it's kind of like alcoholism....some are susceptible, some aren't. The good news is that there are some techniques that ameliorate the symptoms, not the least of which the 'talk therapy' that this forum provides.

Again welcome

[SteveD]

Hello-

I am new here. This is utterly amazing how I found this  (searching google to see wtf is up). For a long time (after masturbating for 20 years) I have been living in an "unawakened" state. The effects are not at all unlike those I have read here (I am glad I'm not alone in this)- let me tell you my side effects :

Failure, Brain fog, anger, irritability, confusion, back pain, tiredness, loss of self-confidence, disassociation, anxiety, depression, guilt AND the urge to repeat the process...

I could go on but these effects are enough to completely alter (or destroy) one's life. The peculiar thing is that despite the observation that I thought it MIGHT be causing these things, I continued (and maybe continue?) to do it. I have been taking antidepressants for a few years...

My theory is that some people are more susceptible to having this disabling illness just as some people are more susceptible to having depression or alcoholism.

Of course, guilt is one of the symptoms of depression. I am non-religious. But this illness may be the source of some religions teachings for abstinence etc. This is huge... but WHY is this here? WHY has it destroyed my life- or has it?

PS I haven't masturbated in 18 1/2 years...It's possible