Peri-Orgasmic Phenomena Explained As Expert Reveals Why Some People Experience Nosebleeds During Climax

Researchers have examined unusual physical and emotional reactions that can occur around orgasm, including laughter, crying, and even nosebleeds

Many people would hesitate to admit to doing something awkward during orgasm, whether that is making an unexpected sound or suddenly becoming emotional.

However, new research suggests that experiencing unusual reactions during sex, such as nosebleeds or even hallucinations, may not be as strange as they sound. For some people, these reactions, known as peri-orgasmic phenomena, could actually be part of a normal physical response.

Gynecologists studying this lesser-known area of sexual health have found that symptoms like laughing fits, uncontrollable crying, headaches, hallucinations, and nosebleeds can all occur around orgasm and may fall within the range of normal experiences.

The small study, published in the Journal of Women’s Health, is believed to be the first to closely examine how often these symptoms occur and how common peri-orgasmic phenomena may be among women.

The study’s lead author, Professor Lauren Streicher of Northwestern University, explained the significance of the findings, saying: “While there have been case reports of women laughing, crying or having unusual physical symptoms during orgasm, this is the first study to characterize what these phenomena are and when they are most likely to occur.”

Professor Streicher worked alongside Professor James Simon of George Washington University, using social media to gather responses on a topic many people might feel uncomfortable discussing face to face.

Your nosebleed might have ruined the moment, but it’s perfectly naturalGetty Stock Image

Out of approximately 3,800 women who viewed the call for responses, 86 shared personal experiences related to peri-orgasmic phenomena. This showed researchers that these reactions may be more common than previously assumed.

Among those respondents, 61 percent reported physical symptoms during orgasm, while 88 percent said they experienced a strong emotional response.

More than half, around 52 percent, said they experienced several symptoms at once, and roughly one in five, or 21 percent, reported both physical and emotional reactions.

The researchers emphasized that documenting these experiences plays an important role in broadening and normalizing conversations around female sexual health.

Laughing uncontrollably in the bedroom can be off-putting but it’s normalGetty Stock Image

Professor Streicher added: “Women need to know that if they have uncontrollable peals of laughter every time they orgasm (and nothing was funny), they are not alone.”

Despite the wide range of symptoms reported, only 17 of the 86 respondents said they experienced these reactions consistently.

The study also found that these symptoms were more likely to occur during partnered sex, with just 23 percent of respondents experiencing them during masturbation or while using a vibrator.

What peri-orgasmic symptoms were reported by the women?

Physical symptoms among survey respondents

- Headache (33 percent)

- Muscle weakness (24 percent)

- Foot pain or tingling (19 percent)

- Facial pain, itching, or tingling (six percent)

- Sneezing (four percent)

- Yawning (three percent)

- Ear pain or other ear sensations (two percent)

- Nosebleed (two percent)

61 percent of participants reported experiencing physical symptoms when they climaxedGetty Stock Image

Emotional responses among survey respondents

- Crying (63 percent)

- Sadness or urge to cry during a positive sexual experience (43 percent)

- Laughing (43 percent)

- Hallucinations (four percent)

While the study highlights the range of peri-orgasmic phenomena women can experience, researchers noted that larger studies are needed to better understand how widespread these symptoms truly are.

Only 2.3 percent of people who viewed the social media post asking about unusual climax symptoms went on to complete the survey and report a physical or emotional response.

“Normal and common are not the same thing,” Professor Streicher told BBC Science Focus. “Also, this survey does not reveal the true prevalence of these symptoms. Many people who viewed the [social media post] with symptoms may have chosen not to respond.”

Post Views: 3