Sex wasn’t always pure fun for Carrie in 'Sex and the City'.

According to a recent study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine, 46.2% of the female respondents reported they had experienced unexplainable negative emotions following sex at some point in their lives. This phenomenon is known as post-coital dysphoria (PCD), and is characterised by symptoms of melancholy, depression, anxiety, or tearfulness following intercourse.

Lead researcher Dr Robert Schweitzer of the QLD University of Technology, builds on his 2011 study of 211 university students which explored the correlation between PCD, psychological distress, and sexual functioning in women. Schweitzer and his team found modest positive correlations with psychological distress and reported childhood sexual abuse, and the experience of PCD symptoms, however the significance of those factors was small enough to suggest other variables may be more important.

The purpose of the latest survey was to ascertain the association between emotional and mental health, and the experience of PCD. The study found that for the majority of survey participants, their melancholy mood was unrelated to their psychological health in other areas of their lives, and the individual was unable to explain their post sex blues.

While the study found no correlation between intimacy and PCD, it is important to understand that regardless of the underlying causes of tears or post coital sadness, the way that a couple responds to emotional release is important for the long term health of their relationship.

For many of my clients there is a deep emotional response that is generated from the hormones released during sex. The sheer intensity of an orgasm can trigger the release and clearing of stress related chemicals, like cortisone, from our bodies. This can be expressed through a range of behaviour including hysterical giggles or passionate sobbing.

The experience of a melancholy after sex may also be an indicator that although the sex was physically satisfying, there is an element of expectations that have not been met, a lingering sense of dissatisfaction with the overall sexual experience. Make a time with your partner to get curious about what you are both noticing, and how you would like to navigate your sexuality together.

If you or your partner experience this kind of intensity of emotion following sex, it is important to maintain your presence and connection in the afterglow of coitus. Make sure that you don’t simply get up and leave, or turn your attention away from your partner following your orgasm. You can deepen the intimacy even further between you by creating post climax rituals together. For example, you might have a shower together and gently wash your partner, or stay connected by cuddling and talking softly.

The study concludes that the post-sex blues is a significant issue for women, and that it occurs even following a physiologically healthy sexual experience. The findings express that self-differentiation (the ability to separate thoughts and feelings from those of others) is a stronger predictor for the occurrence of PCD than the level of intimacy between partners.

The importance of research into the physiological and emotional responses of women has been highlighted by these studies. The opportunities created by having these kinds of conversations with your partner, and the way you choose to respond to your sexual experience, are the true drivers of your erotic and intimate lives.

Tara Whitewood is a relationship and sex coach.