Men: Have you ever got the sniffles after a steamy session in the bedroom? If so, it could be that you're allergic to sex.

Yes, you heard us right. New research shows that a rare condition called Post-Orgasmic Illness Syndrome (POIS) has affected more than 50 patients around the world since first being documented in 2002 – and it could be more widespread than initially thought. Sufferers display flu-like symptoms immediately after they ejaculate, experiencing a mixture of high fevers, perspiration and itching eyes. Weird, right?

The study

To begin the process of better understanding how it works, scientists have started taking a closer look into the intricacies of this mysterious illness. So far, it's been concluded that there are two types of POIS in existence – a primary type, which manifests itself in pubescent males, and a secondary type that begins later in life.

Of the 45 men studied (all of whom had been diagnosed with POIS), 87% experienced an onset of symptoms within 30 minutes of ejaculation. Symptoms last for approximately two to seven days, after which they recede of their own accord. The study report reads:

"It is a chronic disorder manifesting as a constellation of flulike and allergic symptoms within seconds, minutes, or hours after ejaculation. POIS can be followed by mental sequelae such as diminished concentration and irritability. POIS negatively affects the life of patients by limiting sexual encounters, dampening romantic prospects, creating internal struggles to avoid eroticism, and affecting patients' schedules."

The authors add that, although only 50 cases of POIS have been identified in literature, "the prevalence and incidence of POIS are still unknown owing to a paucity of studies but is likely under-reported." In other words, it's likely that lots more men could be suffering with the illness in silence.

So far, it has been impossible for experts to find the cause of POIS, and it is clear that more research needs to be done before a cure can be identified. Until then, sufferers are being treated with antihistamines, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and benzodiazepines.

The study was published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine.

Jenny Cook Jenny Cook is a health writer, amateur athlete and full-time foodie.

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