Study Identifies Unusual Peri-Orgasm Experiences Women Have

By Adebowale Bello. B.Tech Microbiology, Freelance Health Writer. Medically reviewed by the DLHA Team

March 20, 2026.

An African woman in white pyjamas, lying sideways in bed. Image Credit: Freepik

Highlights

• Crying, sadness, laughter and headaches are some of the unusual emotional and physical experiences some women have before, during and after orgasm.
• These are not necessarily abnormal and should not be a course for concern.
• Speak with your primaryhealthcare provider if the experiences are however troubling or occur repeatedly.

Sex and orgasm, which is an intense release of sexual tension with physical and emotional components, are often discussed as purely pleasurable experiences. In reality, the human body can respond to sexual activity in many different ways. Some of these responses can surprise or even worry people, especially when they are not talked about openly. Crying after sex, sudden sadness or unexpected physical sensations during orgasm are experiences many people have but rarely discuss.

A recent scientific study sheds light on these lesser-known reactions as it focuses on women who experience unusual emotional or physical symptoms during an orgasm.

About the Study

The study looked at what researchers call peri-orgasmic phenomena. This simply means emotional or physical symptoms that happen just before, during or shortly after orgasm. These symptoms are not usually covered in standard discussions of sexual health.

To carry out the research, the scientists used an online survey and invited women aged 18 and above to take part after watching a short educational video shared on social media. The survey was anonymous and included six questions which asked participants whether they had ever experienced unusual physical sensations or emotional reactions around orgasm and what those experiences felt like.

The researchers were clear that this survey was not to diagnose conditions or calculate how common these experiences are in the general population. Instead, it was designed to document and describe experiences that are often ignored or misunderstood. 86 women completed the survey.

What the Study Found

The results showed that unusual peri-orgasmic experiences are more common than many people might expect.

Some women experienced more than one reaction at the same time while others said the reactions happened occasionally and yet a smaller group experienced them almost every time they had an orgasm.

Here are some highlights of the study:

I. Emotional peri-orgasmic experiences:

• Nearly 9 out of 10 (88 percent) participants said they experienced some form of emotional reaction around orgasm, making it the most frequently reported.

• About 6 out of 10 (63%) women experienced crying as the most common emotional response during or after orgasm. For many, this crying was not linked to pain or negative sexual experiences and some women described feeling overwhelmed, emotionally released or suddenly sensitive.

• Other emotional experiences included feelings of sadness or an urge to cry even when the sexual experience was enjoyable.

• Some women also reported laughing uncontrollably while a very small number mentioned experiencing brief hallucinations or altered perception.

These findings challenge the idea that emotional responses during sex must always be linked to trauma, guilt or dissatisfaction. In many cases, the emotions appeared without a clear negative trigger.

II. Physical peri-orgasmic experiences:

• 6 out of 10 (61%) of participants reported at least one physical sensation they found unusual, making these also common peri-orgasmic experiences.

• Headaches were the most frequently reported physical reaction with about 1 in 3 women experiencing headaches around orgasm.

• Muscle weakness, tingling sensations in the feet and brief pain in different parts of the body were also mentioned.

III. When peri-orgasmic experiences occured:

• Peri-orgasmic experiences were more likely to occur during partnered sex than during masturbation suggesting that emotional connection, physical intensity or psychological factors may play a role. However, the study did not investigate the causes in detail.

Limitations of the Study

While the findings are interesting, it is important to understand the study’s limitations.

First, the study used a small and self-selected sample. Only women who recognised themselves in the description of peri-orgasmic symptoms were likely to take part. This means the results cannot be used to estimate how common these experiences are among all women.

Second, the data relied entirely on self-reporting. There were no medical examinations or clinical tests to confirm the symptoms. Memory bias and personal interpretation could affect the accuracy of responses.

Third, the study did not explore underlying causes such as hormonal changes, mental health factors or neurological explanations.

As a result of these limitations, the study should be seen as a starting point rather than a final answer.

What the Study Means for Africans

For many Africans, conversations about sex are still surrounded by silence, shame or religious discomfort. Hence, people often assume that anything outside a narrow definition of sexual pleasure is abnormal or sinful. This study shows that emotional and physical reactions during orgasm can be part of normal human variation.

Crying during sex does not automatically mean something is wrong and it does not always point to emotional damage, relationship problems or spiritual issues.

In African settings where access to sexual health education is limited, people may misinterpret these experiences and suffer unnecessary anxiety. Some may avoid intimacy altogether out of fear or confusion while others may feel isolated because they believe they are alone. By normalising discussions around these symptoms, the study encourages more open conversations between partners and with healthcare providers. It also highlights the need for culturally sensitive sexual health education across African communities.

Why Awareness of Unusual Peri-Orgasmic  Experiences Matters in Healthcare

Many healthcare professionals may not ask patients about their sexual experiences unless there is a clear complaint. Even when patients raise concerns, they may struggle to describe emotional symptoms without feeling embarrassed.

This research should serve as a reminder to all healthcare professional  that sexual health is not only about infections or fertility as increased awareness of unusual peri-orgasmic experiences can help healthcare providers reassure patients, rule out serious conditions and provide better guidance. For many people, a simple reassurance can make a significant difference and knowing that others share similar experiences can reduce fear and improve overall wellbeing.

Wrap up

This study offers a valuable look into an often ignored aspect of women’s sexual health. It shows that crying, sadness, laughter and physical sensations around orgasm are real experiences for many women and are not signs of illness or emotional distress.

Although the study has clear limitations, it opens the door for further research and more honest conversations. As more research emerges, it is important that African voices and experiences are included because sexual health education should reflect real human experiences, not silence them.

Source: Streicher LF, Simon JA. Emotional and Physical Symptoms in Women with Peri-Orgasmic Phenomena. Journal of Women’s Health. 2026;0(0). Available from here

Related: 

Why People Cry? An Explainer for Africans

Why Do People Laugh? An Explainer for Africans

Published: March 20, 2026

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