Why Do I Feel Hungry After Sex?

Have you ever noticed that you feel hungry suddenly after any sexual activity? Then you are not alone. Is it normal for a man to be hungry after sex? Feeling hungry after sexual activity is a common experience among people, and there are various factors leading to it. Let us take a deeper look at how sexual activity influences your appetite, or how sexual intercourse leads to starvation.

How Many Calories Does A Sex Session Burn?

Though having sexual intercourse sometimes feels like a workout, it is not a substitute for working out. In a study made at the University of Quebec at Montreal, on average, a man might burn 101 calories (4.2 calories per minute) during any sexual intercourse. At the same time, women might burn 69.1 calories (3.1 calories per minute). People might always think that post-sex cravings might be due to a loss of calories. However, that’s not the main factor.

Is It Normal To Be Hungry After Sex?

Yes, it is entirely normal to feel hungry after sexual activity. It burns calories, triggers the release of various hormones, and causes fluid loss, which can lead to increased hunger. The following are the factors that might lead to the situation:

Change of hormones and post-hunger sex : During any sexual activity, the body and the brain undergo drastic hormonal changes. The changes generally play a role in your hunger pangs.  The more you become sexually excited, the more the production of hormones such as testosterone and serotonin starts to increase. Generally, the production of the hormones peaks right after physical intimacy.

A 2012 study by Angelica Linden Hirschberg suggested that sex hormones, particularly testosterone, may stimulate hunger. Men have a high level of this hormone; therefore, it is not uncommon for them to experience hunger. The increase in testosterone level is one of the reasons why you feel hungry after sex.

Decreased water content : A person, after sexual intercourse, loses water content from the body. Having sex makes you sweat constantly, which, as a result, reduces the water content in the body. In addition, thirst increases after a physical activity session. The water in our bodies burns away, causing dehydration symptoms.

Impact of hydration on Post-Sex Hunger : It has been found that a dehydrated person may feel hungrier than a normally hydrated person.  A person’s body often mistakenly perceives thirst as hunger. The dehydration also impacts blood sugar levels and metabolism, increasing the urge to eat. Therefore, always staying hydrated before and after sexual intercourse helps reduce unnecessary food cravings. Eating water-rich foods such as fruits, cucumbers, or coconut water can help satisfy both thirst and food cravings while promoting overall well-being.

Sexual excitement increases hunger : When you have sexual activity, it is always a matter of excitement. Excitement is often a significant reason for stomach-emptying symptoms. The autonomic nerves are responsible for triggering the factors that stimulate stomach emptying.

An individual always remains excited after having any sexual activity. This directly translates into starvation or hunger. Because of this factor, a person is always bound to feel an urge to eat after intercourse, which is a regular thing.

The release of sperm can increase hunger in men : The sperm released after intercourse contains essential minerals and vitamins, including sodium, magnesium, calcium, and other compounds. After sexual activity, the body feels its absence. The deficit of minerals triggers a particular response from the brain. These reactions generally play a critical role in increasing hunger after sexuality. The body naturally seeks to compensate for the loss it has suffered, and as a result, appetite is enhanced after vigorous exercise.

Why Do Some People Crave Junk Food After Sex?

The junk food cravings after sexual intercourse are generally standard and are influenced by a combination of psychological and physiological factors. The sexual intercourse triggers the release of hormones such as oxytocin, dopamine, and serotonin that create a sense of pleasure and relaxation. The neurotransmitters are often associated with food cravings, particularly for high-calorie, salty, and sugary foods that quickly stimulate the release of dopamine.

Additionally, physical exertion during intercourse leads to a drop in blood sugar levels that makes the body crave energy-dense foods. A survey was conducted among over 2000 single millennials, and pizza was ranked the top sex meal, with three-quarters of respondents craving a slice.

Is It Okay To Have Food Right After Having Sex?

Even though a person can feel hungry after having intercourse, it is best to wait for a while. We advise you not to have meals right after sexual activity. You first need to wait for some time to let your body calm down. You should remember that even after completing sexuality, your body remains excited, and your heart still beats a lot faster than usual. We advise you not to eat heavy food until you have calmed down and returned to a normal state of mind.  Until then, you can drink water or juice to get some energy.

Do ED Medications Like Viagra Cause Hunger?

Many things might impact your sexual life occasionally, leading to relationship issues. One of the most common conditions that affects one’s intimate life is impotence or ED. The condition is characterized by the inability to achieve or maintain an erection.  If you suffer from ED, then you are not alone. The positive side is that various treatment options are available for this condition.  One of the most potent treatment options for ED is Viagra. It is a medication that works by improving blood flow to the penis, that helps men get and maintain an erection firm enough for satisfactory sexual intercourse.

The generic Viagra is not known to cause increased appetite. However, some of the common side effects of Viagra are flushing, indigestion, nasal congestion, dizziness, and headaches. The adverse effects might indirectly impact overall well-being, but there is no evidence that suggests that Viagra might influence a person’s appetite or cause starvation.

How To Manage Post-Sex Cravings?

The following are the ways to manage post-sex hunger:

Stay hydrated always : It is always advised to drink a lot of fluids before and after sex.  It keeps you well-hydrated and reduces the risk of dehydration. Reducing dehydration reduces your food cravings.

Maintain a balanced diet : Try to manage the feelings of hunger after intercourse. You can also opt for light and nutritious food to enjoy it.

Always listen to your body’s responses : When you genuinely feel hungry after your sexual activity, you can indulge in what your body wants. It’s essential to pay attention to your physical needs. Try to avoid consuming something that is outside your habit.

Foods You Should Eat After Sex

The food that you can try to improve your sexual health and energy, instead of unhealthy options, is:

Yogurt : The yogurt contains probiotics that are great for your intestinal health. It helps to flush out the toxins and helps in supporting digestion, making it a tremendous post-sex option. You can also incorporate berries or almonds into your diet for added nutrients. Check out our blog What are the sexual benefits of Almonds, for a detailed version.

Fruits : The fruits, such as apples, bananas, watermelon, and avocados, are perfect for post-sex cravings. These provide essential nutrients, improve blood flow, and keep you well-hydrated.

 Wheat Vegetable Sandwich : A wheat vegetable sandwich is light and filling. The whole grains that are present in bread are easy to digest, and the vegetables that are present contain vitamins and minerals that help in restoring energy after sexual intercourse.

Warm milk : he warm milk helps reduce hunger by lowering the hormone ghrelin, which is associated with hunger.  This helps aid digestion and calm the stomach, making it a soothing choice after intercourse.

Conclusion

To conclude, feeling hungry after sex is a common experience and is associated with physiological, hormonal, and psychological factors. In sexual intercourse, the body burns calories and releases various hormones like oxytocin and endorphins that also increase appetite. In addition, the sexual activity stimulates the metabolism and energy, and leaves you with a feeling like your body needs replenishment afterwards.