Post-coital tristesse
Post-coital tristesse (PCT) is a feeling of melancholy after sexual intercourse. This is more common in men than in women.[citation needed] Its name comes from New Latin postcoitalis (see coitus), and French tristesse, literally "sadness". With respect to symptoms in women, see "An epidemiological survey of post-coital psychological symptoms in a UK population sample of female twins."[1] Many PCT sufferers may also exhibit strong feelings of anxiety, anywhere from five minutes to two hours after coitus. For more, see "Sex and depression: In the brain, if not the mind."[2] Possible physiological causes of post-coital tristesse are discussed in "The Passion Cycle." [3][4]
The phenomenon is referred to by the philosopher Baruch Spinoza in his Tractatus de Intellectus Emendatione when he writes "For as far as sensual pleasure is concerned, the mind is so caught up in it, as if at peace in a [true] good, that it is quite prevented from thinking of anything else. But after the enjoyment of sensual pleasure is past, the greatest sadness follows. If this does not completely engross, still it thoroughly confuses and dulls the mind."
See also[edit]
References[edit]
- ^ "An epidemiological survey of post-coital psychological symptoms in a UK population sample of female twins". 2011-06-14. Retrieved 2011-10-05.
- ^ "Sex and depression: In the brain, if not the mind". 2009-01-20. Retrieved 2011-10-05.
- ^ "The Passion Cycle". 2009-08-09. Retrieved 2011-10-05.
- ^ Robinson, Marnia. Cupid's poisoned arrow: from habit to harmony in sexual relationships. ISBN 978-1556438097.
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