4 WEIRD AFTER-SEX EFFECTS THAT ARE NORMAL
Post-coital despondency, cystitis, feelings of itching in the genitals, and leaking semen from the vagina can all be side effects of sex. They are non-discriminative and are not that predictable. However weird they may be, you have to understand that you are not alone.
Sex is not a walk in the park, and if we would be aware of the consequences up front, some people would not indulge in sex. There are obvious consequences, such as STIs and pregnancy, but that's not all. Sex also has its side effects which are not of much concern to everyone. This is whether you had sex with more than one partner or not. However, these side effects can undermine our sexual health, but they seem unique since they are not discussed much. You have to understand that these side effects are not discriminative and what you are facing is what another person also faces after sex. However, there are unexpected sex outcomes that are never discussed because they are more annoying than serious, and down here are some examples.
Post-Coital Despondency
Maybe you have had an indescribable sense of anxiety or a mysterious feeling of sadness after sex. You are not the only one. It is growing rather common over time, as statistics suggest. Post-coital despondency is also known as post-coital dysphoria, and Hyatt (2006) suggested that almost half of the women experience this but not regularly. Its unpredictability is what makes post-coital dysphoria more confusing. But there is no cause for alarm since it can be taken care of quite easily as it is short-lived.
Try deep-breathing techniques and good communication with your partner to treat post-coital dysphoria. This is important to healthy sexual relationships in any case. However, if you have a therapist, counselor, or professional in that field, then mention it to them. They will use their psychological expertise to help you how to deal with post-coital dysphoria better. Keep in mind that you can be honest about these feelings as they are not discriminative as you may think.
Feeling Itchy Down Below.
Unlike post-coital despondency, this side effect is not common as it is dependent on some factors. This side-effect mostly affects ladies where they experience some skin reaction on the outer part or around the vulva. This itchiness may also appear around your thighs or abdomen near your lady parts.
This itchiness is mostly from the skin's reaction to the type of lubrication that was used, the condom or a sex toy depending on its material. You need to understand that your skin will have different reactions when it comes into contact with foreign products. The genitals are sensitive, and if you introduce a new product or brand, there might be reactions that may lead to itchiness.
Before you jump to conclusions after experiencing itchiness down there and you haven't used any products, consider that you might have developed a semen allergy resulting from a new partner. There is no cause for alarm if your symptoms are mild. However, consider seeking immediate medical attention if you develop hives, swelling, or any other vigorous physical reactions. Minor itches are no big deal and can fade away on their own.
Leaking Semen from Your Vagina
It is more often than a woman will want to have a shower after sex. It displays high levels of hygiene and self-care, but that is not all. Women always do this to wash away the semen that leaks from the vagina. As a lady, you shouldn't be ashamed as this is completely normal and you are not alone.
This side effect should not come as a surprise if you are a lady on birth control or using other methods to prevent pregnancy apart from the use of condoms. Semen leaking from the vagina is normal, and they make absolute sense. According to Gordon (2002), your body is not absorbing any semen when you are on birth control, so where do you expect this semen to go. Consider having a scrupulous bath after sex and go on with your day as usual.
Cystitis
You may have felt an urge to pee after having sex. This is a common but strange side effect that affects men and women regardless of anatomy. According to Baker (1996), anyone who has experienced orgasm is also familiar with post-coital pee urge.
However, there is a need to be worried if you encounter a burning sensation or pink-tinted urine on a regular after sex. This might be a symptom of what is informally referred to as honeymoon cystitis. During intense sex, microscopic tears inside the vagina or urethra allow bacteria into the bladder, leading to urinary tract infections (UTIs), as Komala & Kumar (2013) noted.
Make haste to see a medical practitioner if you suspect it's an infection. It's better safe than sorry. it's an irritation or inflammation rather than an infection, and there are remedies for these cases. Avoid penetrative sex until these symptoms fade but for the betterment of you and your partner. It is also important that you stay hydrated.
Conclusion
Keep in mind that sex is physical, and your entire body is involved no matter how you do it. Your body will react differently, especially if something out of the norm is introduced. Side effects are common, and there is no need to feel ashamed about them, especially if you are explaining to a professional to get help. Health-wise, trust your instincts and if you feel anything out of the norm, then make sure to see a doctor. It's your health, and it's your responsibility to take care of your health as best as you see fit.
References
Baker, R. (1996). Sperm Wars. Basicbooks.
Gordon, L. (2002). The Moral Property Of Women: A History Of Birth Control Politics In America. University Of Illinois Press.
Hyatt, V. A. (2006). A Plea For Sympathy And Understanding In The Portrayal Of Motherless Daughters In Elizabeth Gaskell's Fiction (Doctoral Dissertation, Iowa State University).Komala, M., & Kumar, K. S. (2013). Urinary Tract Infection: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis And Its Management. Indian Journal Of Research In Pharmacy And Biotechnology, 1(2), 226.