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Medical Oddities: When orgasm sets off the immune system

  • By

  • Teraya Smith

  • September 14, 2026

  • 6 min

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  • 1

    Post-orgasmic illness syndrome (POIS) causes fatigue, flu-like symptoms, and neuropsychiatric changes after orgasm.

  • 2

    A narrative review suggests POIS may involve a multisystem inflammatory response rather than simple histamine intolerance.

  • 3

    88% of men with POIS in a study had a positive skin response to their own semen, but this does not explain all cases.

  • 4

    Treatment options for POIS include antihistamines, corticosteroids, and omalizumab, which has shown promising results.

  • 5

    Further controlled studies are needed to understand POIS biology and treatment responses.

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