Sex has many health benefits including a positive impact on your mental well-being. It also has physical effects like lowered levels of the stress hormone cortisol.
Often, the shakiness that happens after orgasm is simply caused by muscular contraction. However, it may also be a sign of illness. If your legs feel weak, it is important to see a doctor for further diagnosis and treatment.
Causes
Sex is all about orgasmic pleasure in the movies, but it’s not always so smooth sailing. For some people, sex can cause pain and discomfort before, during and after intercourse. This can range from pelvic pain to stomach pain and vaginal soreness. The good news is that there are many possible causes of the pain and discomfort, and most can be resolved with treatment.
One of the most common reasons that sex can make your legs feel weak is because sex is physically exhausting. “Sex is a cardiovascular workout that uses a lot of energy, and it can drain the body as much as any other vigorous activity,” sex therapist Debra Laino tells INSIDER. When you orgasm, the brain releases a cocktail of neurochemicals that can also drain your energy levels.
Another possible reason that your legs feel weak after sex is because of postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS). This condition affects about 10% of the population and makes it difficult to stand up quickly. When you stand up quickly, gravity causes blood to pool in your legs and abdomen, which reduces the amount of blood that can flow back to the heart and brain. This can make you feel dizzy and weak.
Finally, muscle soreness can make your legs feel weak after sex. This usually occurs when you engage in intense sexual activity, especially with someone who is strong or heavy. This is a normal result of sexual intimacy and will usually go away on its own after a day or two.
Symptoms
The most obvious reason your legs might feel weak after sex is that the act of having sex tires you out. “Sex is like a cardio workout,” sex therapist and University of Florida psychology professor Debra Laino tells INSIDER. The body’s blood pressure and flow increase, as do the levels of hormones and neurotransmitters that make us feel good. This is especially true during orgasms, when the brain releases a cocktail of chemicals that make you feel exhilarating but can also cause fatigue and weakness.
Shaking in the legs is another common symptom of orgasms. Scientists don’t know exactly why this happens, but it could have to do with crossed wires in the autonomic nervous system that control reflexes like sneezing and sexual arousal. For some people, the shaking stops as soon as the orgasm does, but for others it lasts longer.
If your leg weakness continues past the point of having a sexy time, it could be a sign of a stroke, or at least what’s called a transient ischemic attack, or TIA. These are less severe than a full-blown stroke but can still cause serious, life-threatening problems.
Another possible cause of sex-related leg weakness is a condition called sciatica, which involves the compression of the spinal nerve that runs from the base of the spine through the buttocks and down each leg. It can be caused by herniated discs, pregnancy, or a number of other things, including certain cancers and infections.
Treatment
It’s probably no secret that sex is a great workout. But, what some people don’t realize is that it can also be a physical and mental drain. For some, this can lead to pain after sex, especially in their pelvic region, stomach, and legs. But, luckily, there are many treatment options available!
Sometimes sex-related leg weakness can be caused by a simple problem, such as low blood sugar. Having a glass of water or eating a snack that’s high in potassium can help prevent this from happening. If you’re still feeling weak after sex, it could be a sign that you have a condition called postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), which causes your heart rate to increase when you change positions or get up too quickly. This can cause dizziness and even fainting.
If you’re experiencing sex-related pelvic pain or abdominal pain, it may be because you have a sexually transmitted disease (STD) like gonorrhea, chlamydia, mycoplasma, or trichomoniasis. They can all lead to pain during and after sex, as well as other symptoms, such as pelvic inflammatory disease, which can cause pain in the uterus, tubal lining, and vagina.
If you’re suffering from sex-related pelvic pain or bladder or rectal problems, it’s important to visit your doctor right away. They can help diagnose the underlying cause and prescribe the proper treatment.
Prevention
It’s common for sex to leave you feeling a bit shaky, especially if you’ve had an intense orgasm. And in some cases, the shakiness lasts longer than you might expect. This is because orgasms are essentially the sex equivalent of a full-body workout.
But if the shakiness doesn’t go away after a few days or becomes a regular thing, it’s important to get checked out. It could be a sign of something like BV, a yeast infection, or pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
All of these conditions can cause pain during and after sexual activity. They can also lead to painful sex, but a doctor will be able to diagnose the problem and prescribe medication.
Another way to prevent sex-related dizziness is to avoid getting up too quickly after your partner has finished. This can make blood pool in your legs and abdomen, which can then reduce the amount of blood that’s flowing back to your heart.
In addition to avoiding these post-coital stretches, a good diet and hydration can also help prevent sex-related dizziness. Make sure you’re eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, along with protein and fat-rich foods. And remember to hydrate throughout the day, too.
