Peri-orgasmic phenomena: why some people laugh, cry or experience other symptoms

A Journal of Women's Health study reports that about 2.3% of surveyed women described peri‑orgasmic phenomena — emotional and physical responses such as laughter, tears, nosebleeds, headaches and hallucinations — based on an anonymous survey of viewers of an informational video.

A new study in the Journal of Women's Health describes peri‑orgasmic phenomena, a range of physical and emotional responses that some people report around orgasm. Researchers report these responses can include laughter, crying, nosebleeds, headaches and even hallucinations. The study used a short video and a six‑question anonymous survey to collect accounts from viewers. Authors say the work aims to characterize how often these episodes occur and in what contexts. Key findings: - The study is reported as led by Dr. Lauren Streicher and published in the Journal of Women's Health. - About 3,800 women viewed the informational video and completed the anonymous survey; 86 respondents identified as experiencing peri‑orgasmic phenomena, which corresponds to roughly 2.3% of viewers. - Among those 86 respondents, 61% reported physical symptoms and 88% reported emotional responses; 21% reported both physical and emotional symptoms. - Reported experiences included laughter, crying, nosebleeds, headaches and hallucinations. - Most respondents (69%) said the phenomena occurred occasionally, while 17% said they occurred consistently. More than half reported these experiences only during partnered sexual activity; 9% reported them during masturbation and 14% during vibrator use. - The article notes that regular orgasm has been linked in prior work to improved psychological and physical functioning and to release of chemicals such as dopamine and oxytocin. Summary: The study highlights that peri‑orgasmic phenomena are reported by a small share of respondents and can involve multiple physical and emotional reactions. Researchers emphasize raising awareness and normalizing the range of responses; further research efforts or follow-up actions are undetermined at this time.