madman
Super Moderator
Postorgasmic Illness Syndrome: An Update (2022)
John Zizzo, Luı´s F. Sa´vio, Ranjith Ramasamy, Thiago F. N. Lima
Abstract
Postorgasmic illness syndrome (POIS) is a rare condition affecting men who experience a cluster of flu-like and allergic symptoms after ejaculation. POIS can occur after intercourse, masturbation, or spontaneous ejaculation, and may persist for up to 7 d. Recurrent symptoms often negatively impact the quality of life and sexual activity, leaving those affected with mental sequelae, diminished concentration, and mood changes. While it has been shown that various treatment options can alleviate symptoms in the short term, acute management remains controversial. In addition, follow-up data are severely lacking, resulting in the absence of established long-term management options for men suffering from POIS. This review highlights hallmark studies and the current state and promising developments surrounding clinical approaches to POIS.
Patient summary
*In this review, we discuss what is known about postorgasmic illness syndrome (POIS), a disease that causes flu-like symptoms in some men after ejaculation. Little research has been done on POIS, so its causes, diagnosis, and appropriate treatments are poorly understood.
1. Introduction
In 2002, Waldinger and Schweitzer [1] first described a postejaculatory syndrome on the basis of two men presenting with flu-like symptoms, including fatigue, warmth, and myalgia following ejaculation, resulting in avoidance of sexual activity. This cluster of symptoms was named postorgasmic illness syndrome (POIS) and was subsequently validated in a cohort of 45 men [2]. POIS can cause significant impairment of the relationships, sexual encounters, and self-image of affected men. While various pathophysiological mechanisms have been proposed, including immunologic hypersensitivity and sympathetic dysregulation, the exact underlying causes remain unclear [2,3]. Workup thus far relies on unvalidated diagnostic tools, including skin prick testing (SPT) and serum total immunoglobulin E (IgE) [4]. POIS treatment has seen numerous developments in recent years that are centered around targeted immunotherapy and alleviation of the associated psychological burden [5]. Despite recent advances, POIS remains an underdiagnosed condition; better insight is needed into the epidemiology, pathophysiology, proper workup, and management of the disease.
2. Pathophysiology
3. Clinical manifestations
4. Diagnostic workup
5. Management
6. Conclusions
POIS remains an underdiagnosed and poorly understood condition. More studies are needed to better elucidate the underlying mechanisms to establish appropriate diagnostic criteria and direct targeted therapeutic modalities.
John Zizzo, Luı´s F. Sa´vio, Ranjith Ramasamy, Thiago F. N. Lima
Abstract
Postorgasmic illness syndrome (POIS) is a rare condition affecting men who experience a cluster of flu-like and allergic symptoms after ejaculation. POIS can occur after intercourse, masturbation, or spontaneous ejaculation, and may persist for up to 7 d. Recurrent symptoms often negatively impact the quality of life and sexual activity, leaving those affected with mental sequelae, diminished concentration, and mood changes. While it has been shown that various treatment options can alleviate symptoms in the short term, acute management remains controversial. In addition, follow-up data are severely lacking, resulting in the absence of established long-term management options for men suffering from POIS. This review highlights hallmark studies and the current state and promising developments surrounding clinical approaches to POIS.
Patient summary
*In this review, we discuss what is known about postorgasmic illness syndrome (POIS), a disease that causes flu-like symptoms in some men after ejaculation. Little research has been done on POIS, so its causes, diagnosis, and appropriate treatments are poorly understood.
1. Introduction
In 2002, Waldinger and Schweitzer [1] first described a postejaculatory syndrome on the basis of two men presenting with flu-like symptoms, including fatigue, warmth, and myalgia following ejaculation, resulting in avoidance of sexual activity. This cluster of symptoms was named postorgasmic illness syndrome (POIS) and was subsequently validated in a cohort of 45 men [2]. POIS can cause significant impairment of the relationships, sexual encounters, and self-image of affected men. While various pathophysiological mechanisms have been proposed, including immunologic hypersensitivity and sympathetic dysregulation, the exact underlying causes remain unclear [2,3]. Workup thus far relies on unvalidated diagnostic tools, including skin prick testing (SPT) and serum total immunoglobulin E (IgE) [4]. POIS treatment has seen numerous developments in recent years that are centered around targeted immunotherapy and alleviation of the associated psychological burden [5]. Despite recent advances, POIS remains an underdiagnosed condition; better insight is needed into the epidemiology, pathophysiology, proper workup, and management of the disease.
2. Pathophysiology
3. Clinical manifestations
4. Diagnostic workup
5. Management
6. Conclusions
POIS remains an underdiagnosed and poorly understood condition. More studies are needed to better elucidate the underlying mechanisms to establish appropriate diagnostic criteria and direct targeted therapeutic modalities.
