November 20th 2024.
Sex and vomiting may sound like an odd combination, but they can unfortunately go hand in hand. Recently, a Reddit user named lycheepychee shared her experience of feeling nauseous and having to run to the toilet during a sexual encounter. At first, it may seem like she's describing a ride on a carnival ride or a bad case of food poisoning, but in reality, she's talking about a passionate make-out session that left her feeling extremely queasy and with stomach cramps.
But lycheepychee is not alone in experiencing these strange symptoms when aroused. Many others have shared similar stories, including a Reddit user named kindolls who stated that they have always felt sick when they get too turned on and have to stop and catch their breath. Countless others have also shared their struggles with feeling nauseous during or after sex online over the years.
Marie Morice, a clinical sexologist and sex coach, explains that while we don't usually associate nausea with sex, it's actually more common than we may think. There are both physical and psychological factors that can contribute to this surprisingly frequent side effect.
On a physical level, digestive issues like acid reflux, eating a heavy meal, or hormonal changes during menstruation or pregnancy can all play a role. Some people may also have vestibular sensitivity, which means that certain positions or movements during sex can trigger sensations similar to motion sickness. In rare cases, the queasy feeling may be due to stimulation of the vagus nerve, but this is usually only during sex or after orgasm. Additionally, people with conditions like endometriosis or pelvic inflammatory disease may experience discomfort from penetration due to pressure on their internal organs.
On the psychological side, these symptoms are often a result of the body's reaction to increased anxiety or a sudden surge of adrenaline. Melanie Eichhorn, a sexologist at Satisfyer, explains that this is especially common when someone feels pressured, insecure, or overwhelmed by the situation. Others may feel nauseous as a response to dislike or aversion towards their partner, whether it's their scent or their presence. This can also be linked to subconscious feelings of discomfort.
Interestingly, many people who feel sick before, during, or after sex with a partner do not experience the same symptoms when masturbating. Melanie believes that this is because masturbation allows for more control and emotional safety, as one can set their own tone, pace, and boundaries without external influences.
Thankfully, feeling nauseous during or after sex is not something that one has to live with forever, and it can be resolved. However, it is important to try to identify the root cause of these symptoms. Marie suggests paying attention to specific situations, positions, or moments when you have felt queasy during intimacy. This can help pinpoint triggers such as digestive issues, pressure on the stomach, or hormonal fluctuations.
It's also important to consider how you feel leading up to or during sex. Marie advises following your instincts and listening to your body and mind. Do past negative experiences or relationship dynamics play a role in your nausea? If emotional triggers are present, it may be a sign that psychological or relational factors are contributing. Keeping a journal to track patterns and seeking support from a therapist or clinical sexologist can be helpful in working through these emotional or mental blocks.
Melanie reminds us that there is no shame in experiencing these symptoms and encourages open communication with a partner, friend, or healthcare professional. Sex is meant to be a pleasurable and connecting experience, and it is possible to work through these challenges and reclaim that joy. And if things do get awkward in the moment, Marie suggests using humor to diffuse tension and create a sense of connection with your partner.
In the end, it's important to remember that while sex may not always be perfect or go as planned, it's a natural and normal part of life. By addressing the physical and psychological factors that contribute to feeling nauseous during or after sex, it is possible to have a fulfilling and enjoyable sex life.
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