Sexual Problems
 

I know some people have certain sexual problems but I haven't seen too many with my problem. If I masturbate/have sex I immediately feel worse after finishing and it usually continues into the next day. Then after that I'm back to normal. I thought this might have been a problem with hormones as this only happened after 3 concussions, but after being tested for the main hormones their were no deficiencies. Was wondering if anyone else shares this problem.

I don't think a generic hormone test will show a problem. Doctors tend to use a broad brush when looking at hormones. Besides, it would be your hormone condition during the time after sexual activity. My bet is it has more to do with increased blood pressure and exertion or the fact that a veritable cocktail of brain chemicals, including oxytocin, is set loose in men. This may cause an over-production or deficiency of needed neurochemicals, neurotransmitters, etc. that a concussed brain is sensitive to. Sexual dysfunctions of all varieties are not uncommon with PCS.

If you don't figure this out, just be glad you can enjoy sex. Many with PCS struggle to enjoy sex.

4,

I would feel ill afterwards for several hours. I think the excitement was to much during that particular phase of recovery.

Normal again other than at times a bit of anxiety it will flare up again.

Bud

Thanks for the response. If it is the increase in blood pressure causing the symptoms, do you have any suggestions to fix it or get used to it? The increase in blood pressure was something that I thought may be causing the increase in symptoms.

Wondering if anyone has had this problem since I last posted it. As for me, as my head has gotten better I've had less problems but it still exists, just the after effects aren't as bad.

From my research and people I've talked too, what Mark in Idaho says seems like the most likely cause, sex/masturbation causes increase exertion which causes increased blood pressure and your body reacts in a fight or flight response which causes brain chemicals to be released.

I was wondering if anyone had anything similar or if someone could think of something that could lower the symptoms of this response. Thanks for any replies.

For me, anything that gets my heart rate up too much will lead to really crummy times for days on end.

I have the same problem. Could never find out what causes it. The symptoms last for hours. After that happened a few times anxiety set in. That also made it worse again

After fighting anxiety for a long 1.5 yrs now I find I have to remind myself I am supposed to be worked up at certain times.

Who thought this would be so confusing.

Bud

Yea anxiety definitely makes the symptoms worse, once I got that under control it helped. I find that the better I feel and the better my progress the less sex/masturbation affects me. Was wondering if there's maybe something specific that causes it, but not a lot of people seem to have this symptom.

4yearson
I was wondering about this. Honestly I was a bit embarrassed. I am four weeks out. I have not had a problem with orgasms since early 20s :-). I have found now it is like my brain and body are separated somehow. Not to get too personal but my body feels great to be touched but I am having trouble -letting go? best way to say. I think may be when I did have a small one I had a setback for the rest of the day into the next. The weird feeling, tired etc. I am being patient but can certainly feel I am now hesitant. I breathe and even though I didn't have orgasm still had symptoms. I can see how it might get anxiety inducing. I think what I read from Mark In Idaho makes sense. Funny anecdote I put sex and concussion in search online and got all this info about women and age have worse concussion symptoms than men on average. HaHa. Not a lot out there so I share your curiosity/frustration. Possible people don't like to talk/admit it. I don't. Heck I am recently accepting my limitations from a concussion. Thank you again Mark In Idaho. I realize the more I recognize when I need to rest -stay offline, etc the better I am feeling during the good times. I can only have faith my brain will let go and I will find my way back to the big "O'. Thanks for your share and courage.