Post-Orgasm Nausea, Help!

This is an excerpt from a sexual education panel I did in 2019, I decided to transcribe it since I am often asked this question.

Why am I nauseated after vaginal sex or orgasm?

If nausea flares up only after vaginal sex, you might be experiencing something called “vasovagal syncope”. Don’t be alarmed at this fancy name, it basically just means that bumping your cervix or other sensitive spots in your vagina may be causing a chain reaction in your nerves, triggering nausea or stomach upset. 

If your symptoms get worse around certain times of your menstrual cycle or they include stomach upset or cramping along with nausea, you may want to talk to a healthcare provider about endometriosis or other reproductive illnesses. 

Any of these issues can be lessened or resolved usually with less thrusting towards the cervix, or by using a bumper (like the Ohnut!) to prevent a dildo or penis from going to far or hard inside. 

POIS aka “post-orgasmic illness syndrome” mostly affects men, but can also be found to affect women, and usually presents in flu-like symptoms right after orgasm or ejaculate. This is thought to be an autoimmune response, some researchers even believing it may be a sensitivity to sperm! 

Anxiety, stress, or nerves can also trigger nausea. If you have tried using a bumper and talking to a healthcare professional, try noticing if you are having a mental reaction like sexual aversion or a trigger. Remember that being told it’s “in your head” doesn’t mean that it isn’t valid and treatable! 

Other reasons for nausea after sex or orgasm can include hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), dehydration (often after ejaculate), or chronic fatigue.