Crying after sexual intercourse

When you imagine having sex that you're totally into, crying probably isn't part of the picture. But sometimes when you're in the middle of doing the deed, your emotions take over and you suddenly find tears leaking out of your eyes. You might feel surprised depending on the situation, but being overcome with feelings during the act is actually pretty normal, even when you actively want to have sex. Here, 7 women show as much by sharing the reasons they've cried during sex.

If so, you are far from alone. Studies suggest nearly half of all women experience post-coital crying at least once in their lives, with some reporting often inexplicable tears during or after sex several times per month. The current available research focuses on women alone, but the condition affects all genders and involves feelings of sadness, anxiety or aggression. Generally it's after intercourse, but some people become overwhelmed during, too.

They might be happy tears, tears of relief, or a bit of melancholy. Tears during or after sex can also be a purely physical reaction. Clinically speaking, crying after sex is known as postcoital dysphoria PCD or — occasionally — postcoital tristesse PCT. PCD symptoms may include tearfulness, sadness, and irritability after consensual sex, even if it was perfectly satisfying.

Crying after sex, or post-coital tristesse PCT , is something that many people experience. There are several possible causes. Medical professionals might also refer to this condition as post-coital dysphoria. The general expectation is that following a satisfactory, consensual sexual experience, people will feel relaxed, content, or happy.