IJIR: Your Sexual Medicine Journal – www.nature.com/ijir

Marwan Alkassis, Ervin Kocjancic and Omer A. Raheem, Int J Impot Res (2026). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41443-026-01243-6

Abstract

Postcoital dysphoria (PCD) refers to the experience of inexplicable negative affect following consensual sexual intercourse or general sexual activity. Despite being relatively common, PCD is under-recognized in clinical practice and remains excluded from formal diagnostic classifications. This perspective synthesizes findings from empirical research and theoretical perspectives to explore the psychological, relational, and neurobiological foundations of PCD. It also situates the phenomenon within mythological and historical contexts, arguing for a comprehensive understanding that encompasses both pathological and existential interpretations. We highlight key research gaps and propose directions for clinical integration and future inquiry.