Orgasmic Syncope: Fainting During Sex

Not long ago, I wrote an article for Associated Content about defecation syncope, that is, fainting while defecating. Upon further researching different causes of fainting, I found out that some people faint when they have sex, too. Although the condition known as orgasmic syncope, is admittedly a rare one, it does occasionally happen to some people, according to Charles Moser, PH.D., MD., and Janet W. Hardy, authors of the 2002 book Sex Disasters and How to Survive Them.

Why do some people faint during sex? To answer that question, think about what happens in the heat of passion. When you and your partner are in the throes of sexual intercourse, your heart rate speeds up. You breathe faster. You may get hot and sweaty. The tension builds and builds. And then, when you climax, everything quickly and dramatically releases. Your heart rate drops and so does your blood pressure. That sudden drop in heart rate and blood pressure may lead to a vasovagal reaction, which may cause you to very briefly pass out.

What is a vasovagal reaction?

According to the Mayo Clinic's Web site, www.mayoclinic.com, a vasovagal reaction happens when the part of the nervous system that regulates heart rate and blood pressure is triggered by a certain sudden event. It may happen after the sight of blood, an emotional shock, extreme hunger, severe pain, and yes, incredible pleasure. When your heart rate slows and your blood pressure drops, your brain may not get enough oxygen, which can cause you to faint.

What to do after an episode of orgasmic syncope...

If you and your lover are in the midst of intercourse and he or she suddenly faints after an orgasm, it's probably no cause for alarm. Generally, the condition corrects itself so quickly that you may not even have time to administer first aid. After fainting, most people end up lying flat with their head at the same level as their heart, which allows blood to quickly reach their brain. Once the brain is getting the appropriate blood flow, a person who has fainted will often awaken. Your partner may be a little weak and disoriented at first, but should be fine after a few minutes of quiet rest and relaxation. A cold compress on the head may help speed along recovery.

What if he or she doesn't immediately revive?

If your partner doesn't immediately come to, lie the person flat on his or her back and make sure he or she is breathing. Remove any article of clothing that is restrictive. Check his or her pulse by placing three fingers under the wrist crease near the base of the person's thumb or placing two fingers in the area of the neck between the windpipe and the strap muscles. You may have to move your fingers around a bit to find the pulse. If he or she isn't breathing or you can't find a pulse, call 911 right away. If you already know how to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), get to work on that immediately.

Now, if your partner does revive but still seems weak or uncoordinated after a few minutes of rest, or if he or she vomits, you should also call 911. It's possible that a blood vessel in your partner's head burst during your lovemaking session, especially if you notice that his or her weakness is confined to one side of the body. This condition is commonly referred to as a stroke and it requires emergency medical attention. Brain damage can occur within minutes after a stroke.

The afterglow

As Moser and Hardy point out, fainting during sex seems to happen more often in Hollywood productions and porn films than it does in the average person's life. Still, it's important to remember that many different situations can case a vasovagal reaction, which can lead to fainting... even situations that occur in your very own bed. If you know that you have a tendency to faint, like I do, it might be a good idea to let your partner know before things get too hot and heavy. That way, if you do happen to pass out during unbridled sexual ecstacy, your lover might be less likely to panic. In the meantime, I hope your holidays are full of good sex!

SOURCES:

Moser, Charles PH.D., MD., and Hardy, Janet W. (2002). Sex Disasters and How To Survive Them. Emeryville, CA: Greenery Press.

www.mayoclinic.com