Cryin' Shame

Dear Sarah,
I am 45 years old and have a steady partner of many years. We have what I would call a healthy, active, excellent sex life. Since the early 90's, approximately every fifth orgasm I have results in tears in my eyes and a lump in my throat. It appears that I am crying although I am not sad or emotional. I have tried to correlate the events to my menstrual cycle thinking it is possibly a hormonal reaction but there appears to be no rhyme or reason. Also I have noted that it is not related to physical position or activity. Do you have any thoughts on what could be the cause?

Tissues on the Night Stand

Dear Tissues,
Congratulations on maintaining a long-term steady partnership that includes an excellent sex life! Crying after an orgasm is an occurrence common to many women. I'm curious about your statement that you are "not sad or emotional" when this happens. This seems to indicate you think the tears might be a purely physiological response; however, the lump in your throat suggests something emotional might be present as well. Some research suggests that hormones (particularly oxytocin) released during orgasm may contribute to post-climax crying. Other experts believe the vulnerability many women feel when having an orgasm can result in an emotional surge that is sometimes accompanied by tears. Either way, your response is normal and shared by many women.