Post-Orgasmic Illness Syndrome in Men: A Literature Review of a Challenging Condition

To synthesize the current literature and contemporary landscape about promising advancements in clinical interventions targeting post-orgasmic illness syndrome (POIS).

PubMed search was performed, and articles were screened for relevance. 24 articles were deemed suitable for inclusion. Various pathophysiological mechanisms for POIS have been proposed, including immunologic hypersensitivity and sympathetic dysregulation. This syndrome may manifest post-intercourse, post-masturbation, or following spontaneous ejaculations, with flu-like symptoms persisting for a span of up to 7 days.

Recurrent presentations of these symptoms significantly deteriorate both quality of life and sexual function in patients diagnosed with POIS, often leading to cognitive impairment and mood disturbances. While various therapeutic modalities have demonstrated efficacy in providing short-term relief, the management of acute episodes remains contentious. Furthermore, the dearth of longitudinal data hampers the establishment of definitive long-term management strategies for POIS sufferers.