How "normal" is laughing or crying after an orgasm? Why does this happen? It is more common than we think and has a biological and psychological explanation.
Last update: December 06, 2022
Laughing or crying after orgasm ... Why does this happen? What does it mean? One possible explanation, and indeed the most common, is the emotional explosion that occurs following orgasm.
This explosion is conditioned by several elements; among these the biochemical and hormonal cascade that the brain receives, and the connection we feel towards the partner.
But what else can it mean to laugh or cry after an orgasm? In this article we delve into the topic based on scientific findings and expert opinion.
The biochemical cascade of orgasm
When orgasm is reached, brain and body are overwhelmed by a biochemical cascade, that is, the hormones are released in all their intensity. Especially oxytocin. The latter can induce a state of hypersensitivity that can make us laugh or cry after orgasm.
This reaction therefore has a biological explanation, but what does laughter or crying depend on? From psychological and circumstantial factors.
For example, in times of high euphoria, hypersensitivity promotes laughter, while crying is more likely in times of worry.
Tears after orgasm
According to sexologist Nayara Malnero, the tears after orgasm do not usually correspond to disappointment or sorrow, as many believe. Of course, in these cases it is recommended to learn to communicate with your partner or ask for professional help to clarify any doubts.
Malnero adds that orgasm is usually accompanied by a physical and emotional discharge. The accumulated tension suddenly disappears, which causes our senses to "exhaust" and tears are the manifestation of this state.
In a way, sex is an escape (at the level of tension, it helps us to release stress). On the other hand, the tears, according to the sexologist, usually appear in the refractory period, that is the time it takes for the body to recover from orgasm.
State of vulnerability
On a psychological level, after an orgasm, the body and mind tend to relax. It is in these moments that emotions or intense emotional expressions, such as crying or laughing, are more likely to appear.
Emotions in orgasm: happiness and well-being
Let's not forget that orgasm is a state that causes emotions such as well-being and happiness. In these states they are more likely to appear Tears, but not tears of sadness, but often of joy.
However, sometimes that emotion is so intense that it is confused with sadness, although as a rule this is not the case. Let's also not forget that when we have sexual intercourse with a person who is important to us it is normal to get aroused.
Sex can open up a very intimate connection window. According to experts, in this context, tears after orgasm would be one more element of that connection, of that interaction.
Laughing or crying after orgasm: not to be confused with postcoital dysphoria
Postcoital dysphoria can also be another cause of crying after an orgasm. It is colloquially defined as "collapse after orgasm".
Following such enjoyment, the contrast between states and emotions is very strong. And that "pain" translates into crying after orgasm.
Postcoital dysphoria was studied by psychiatrist Richard Friedman, who stated that the cause of this sadness could be located in the amygdala. The aforementioned brain structure would stop functioning properly during orgasm.
Postcoital dysphoria: more common than you think
The study conducted in 2015 by Dr. Robert Schweitzer and published in the journal Sexual Medicine analyzed the sexual experience of over 230 university women.
The results indicate that 46% experienced symptoms of postcoital dysphoria at some point in their life. 5,1% had accused them even in the last month.
According to Schweitzer, the findings suggest that this syndrome would have evolutionary functions. And a detail that the researcher adds: there would be a correlation between postcoital dysphoria and the level of intimacy.
Emotions on the skin after orgasm
Laughing or crying after orgasm is no cause for concern! These reactions have a biological and psychological explanation.
During sexual intercourse, especially with a person with whom you are deeply connected, different emotions emerge. Intense emotions that after orgasm are on the surface of the skin.
It is therefore normal to be carried away by laughter or crying after such an intense state of excitement and liberation.
