I get tired after an orgasm. If it's from intercourse, I lie there and relax. I want to sleep, but I stay awake so as not to seem selfish. If it's from masturbating, I wait sometimes 5 to 10 minutes for my erection to go down, and then I pee. I used to feel guilty after a climax, but this has subsided in the last couple of years. I do notice that no matter what, once I have climaxed there's a sense that I have come out of a session of driven insanity. Being horny changes the way I see myself and the world. It's all pretty consistent.
- age 32, California
What I'm doing and how I'm feeling after orgasm varies greatly. Often I just relax and melt into happy pleasure. At other times I am cleaning up, and at others, eating my semen. At still other times I am still masturbating, since I have a very short refractory period (about 10 seconds).
- age 18, Georgia
I feel as though my orgasm didn't feel like it should have, or what other people feel when they climax. I think it's because I'm not that good at it – but even sex doesn't feel as good as everyone says.
- age 16, California
I usually feel very tired and relaxed, in a state of "afterglow." Sometimes I feel very affectionate, too, like I want to kiss someone. Also, I often like to have an orgasm before I go to bed because it really helps me sleep.
- age 20, Pennsylvania
Sometimes I feel bad or guilty, as if I've done something wrong; otherwise, I think about what a good time I just had and how it was all worth it! Usually, I have mixed feelings.
- age 13, Michigan
I'm usually deciding whether I want another one. When I was younger I would go for 2 or 3 (or even 4) – but not so much any more. I think I'm having stronger orgasms now, and they are more satisfying, so I don't feel the need for another one. Then after that, I might get up and go to the bathroom to pee and clean up. Or, if I'm on the computer, I'll probably wait and finish reading e-mail first. How I feel: Warm, toasty, relaxed, and full of endorphins. It's probably the same each time – not that that's a bad thing!
- age 29, California (female)
I usually clean up, and then I always touch my nipples and rub my anus for 2 or 3 minutes after my orgasm. This makes me feel good and completes my whole masturbation process.
- age 18, North Carolina
Mostly, I feel somewhat relieved of some sort of tension. I like to lie there in bed and relax my brain for a moment before I clean up and put my clothes back on. I like the feeling of lying in bed while my penis becomes limp after an intense orgasm and little by little, more semen drips out. Generally, the longer I lie there without cleaning up immediately, the less guilty I feel about masturbating.
- age 17, Alabama
First I catch my breath, and then I reach for a towel to clean up before my wife catches me. I am not embarrassed about it, but she seems to disapprove.
- age 30, Minnesota
I feel very tired and mellow.
- age 12, Pennsylvania
Usually, in the first minute after an orgasm, I'm still cleaning up. I like to lie still for a few moments and relish the relaxed way I feel. I usually feel calm, even sleepy, and sometimes it's all I can do to move. But I usually have things to do, so after 30 seconds or so, I begin wiping up the semen with tissues. I'm probably still doing that at the 60-second mark.
- age 44, Tennessee
It's pretty much the same each time: I usually want to lick some of my semen when I masturbate, but after I have climaxed I don't feel I should do it, and then I end up not doing it. However, I do feel satisfied after I masturbate. Often I wish I had someone else to lick up the mess, as it feels cold against my skin.
- age 16, United Kingdom
It all depends on the time and place: If I'm in bed and it's early morning, I blot my semen with a tissue and peacefully fall back to sleep. If it's mid-day and I've done the deed into the toilet or the bathroom sink, I wash up with soap. If I'm outdoors and naked (I live in a very secluded spot), I just shake it off and stand there for a bit, enjoying the freedom and the sun and air on my body. Wherever it happens, I always feel relaxed and at peace after a good session.
- age 67, Vermont
I feel a bit tired and like I'm sad.
- age 16, Belgium
I'm lying on my back – panting and playing with the sperm that's on my chest or belly. I rub it into my skin, and I usually rub my very sensitive urethra lightly. Or, I may still be masturbating to see if I can maintain my erection and go for 2 in a row. I often make it.
- age 19, California
After the best sessions, I just lie on my back with my hands behind my head, floating on a cloud and enjoying life. Yet there always seems to be a little bit of semen left that doesn't get ejaculated – perhaps less than one pump's worth. Sometimes it's in a "string" that I can stick to a tissue and pull out. It's important that I get it out; otherwise I can never get comfortable and I end up with a cold, sticky spot in about 5 minutes. If I'm going to sleep after I masturbate, I always have to pee. If I don't, I am totally unable to get to sleep.
- age 17, Illinois
For more than a minute after I climax, I continue to stroke the head of my penis, because it's extra sensitive at this point and feels really great to stroke. Sometimes I have "blue balls," and the continued stroking helps to relieve the pain. Also, I continue to massage my nipples, because that also feels so good. Sometimes I spread my semen over my chest while I stroke my penis. The extra stimulation I get from massaging my erect nipples with slick semen helps keep my penis hard and erect longer for extra stroking to prolong the pleasure. We all need some extra pleasure sometimes!
- age 26, California
I usually feel very relaxed, yet awake at the same time. And usually I feel the need to listen to music. It's like that for me most of the time.
- age 16, Iowa
I need a long time to masturbate and the orgasm is short, so I try use my ejaculatory muscles to prolong ejaculation as long as possible. I also milk my penis to remove semen and then continue to massage myself so I can try for a second one. Sometimes I can avoid the feeling of being complete and continue to masturbate. If the need to orgasm subsides again, then I can stop, knowing I am truly satisfied. On the other hand, a second session is something to look forward to. For me, the second one is usually better, and I can then rest being truly satisfied. I love the warm glow I get from the second one. With only one orgasm, sometimes I get a little depressed.
- age 63, South Carolina
Within a minute after an orgasm, I'm sometimes having my 3rd! But as a rule, when I finish, I just lie there. I like to let the feeling of orgasm totally smother my body. Nothing feels better! If I'm in a hurry, though, I'll be up, getting dressed and washing my hands.
- age 18, Australia (female)
In that first minute after orgasm, I'm smiling, feeling great, and glad I still enjoy my body and its wonderful sensations after 46 years of masturbating. As I get older, the experience does *not* lose its attraction. If anything, it gets better with age and experience – something to look forward to, teenagers!
- age 59, Iowa
I've heard that a lot of people feel tired after a masturbation session, but for me, it's a little different. Just after a climax (which is usually awesome), I feel relaxed and released. Then I feel a little sleepy for about 40 seconds. After that, I'm hit with a sudden energy surge – almost like some sort of drug high. After almost all private sessions, I almost always release the energy by practicing my martial arts on a dummy for about 10 minutes. I'd like to go again, but I *never* feel horny anytime soon after that. My soccer coach forbids masturbation before a game, but that's actually my secret weapon! (The energy boost, ahem.)
- age 17, Florida
After an orgasm I am lying flat on my back, every muscle relaxed in perfect physical contentment. I clean up quickly – by 60 seconds after orgasm my heart still pounds and my breathing is slowing down. All I need to do then is thank God for the incredible gift of sexuality.
- age 25, Minnesota
I feel very weak and "happy." A lot of times my boyfriend will want to keep going, but it's really hard, because I just lie there – I have no energy. We laugh about it, and after a little while, we get back to it. It's one of the best feelings in the world!
- age 18, Tennessee (female)
After an orgasm, I feel almost as good as when I was having it. You see, my parents never tried to hide sexual information from my siblings and me. And my dad has taught me that masturbation is a wonderful and normal thing. I think that is why I feel so good afterwards – because I'm not ashamed at all. In fact, I am proud to masturbate. If a complete stranger were to ask me if I masturbate, I would say, "Yes, and I'm proud of it!"
- age 13, Illinois
I almost always get a little post-orgasmic dysphoria (feeling down) after the initial pleasurable sensation of orgasm goes away. I'm normally still cleaning the semen off my chest about a minute afterwards.
- age 31, Australia
After my orgasm, depending on who's home, I take my time cleaning up. I like to listen to music after I have ejaculated. I still do other things, too, like play games on my computer, or even do some homework. (That's amazing!) If no one else is home, I usually just sit there with everything hanging out for a few minutes as I listen to some music.
- age 17, Ohio
Usually I'm caressing my body with my fingernails. My body, especially my breasts, is always incredibly sensitive to touch a minute or so after my orgasm. The feeling of my fingernails running over these sensitive areas gives me a nice, tingly feeling.
- age 40, California (female)
I just like to hold the moment. An orgasm is a beautiful thing, and I like to hold that incredible feeling for as long possible.
- age 15, United Kingdom
I am usually busy cleaning up whatever mess I've made, and feeling pretty satisfied and relaxed. When I was younger, I used to feel very disgusted and ashamed. But now that I'm comfortable with myself, I don't feel that way anymore.
- age 18, Ontario, Canada
I always clean up right away, and then I usually go get something to eat. I don't know why, but I always get really hungry after an orgasm.
- age 17, Wisconsin
Oh, a minute after an orgasm – the wonderful afterglow! I feel so very relaxed, carefree, and sort of warm and fuzzy. I love that brief bit of time afterwards; it's a special moment to think about the incredible pleasures of an orgasm. Often I'll run my hand up and down my torso so my fingers lightly brush my hairs. I also like to pet my pubes and gently hold my penis and scrotum.
- age 46, California
I'm usually collapsed onto my husband or next to him. I feel very, very vulnerable and sensitive. One touch on the shoulder and I could climax again. One kiss, and it can set me off for a few more. I feel loved and wanted and blissfully awake, yet I could go to sleep at any moment.
- age 19, Illinois (female)
I used to climax about 3 times in a session when I first started masturbating 2 1/2 years ago – ah, the good ol' days! Now I just do it, put it away, and continue with my previous business.
- age 14, California
Usually I like to just relax and enjoy the glow – the inner feelings of my back – and know I have just had a great orgasm and ejaculation. If I have pressing things to do I get up and go, but it isn't as nice a feeling. At my age I still ejaculate on an average of twice a week, as I have done since I was 12 or 13 years old.
- age 78, Texas
If I'm not rushed and won't be bothered, I lie there with my penis in my hand – light-headed, breathing deeply, and feeling a little tired but thoroughly relaxed and drifting. If I'm in the shower it's kind of the same but not as intense or as satisfying.
- age 17, Ohio
I'm still lying on my back and holding my penis. I always take a minute to enjoy this totally relaxed feeling, and I don't let go until I'm ready to wipe up with a cloth. I masturbate most nights, so right after that, I roll over and go to sleep. If I have a morning session, I still take the minute to relax and enjoy before getting up. I've been doing this for as long as I can remember.
- age 51, Canada
It tends to vary according to how I achieved the orgasm. I always feel contractions deep inside, about halfway between my navel and my pelvic bone. If I've stimulated my clitoris with my fingers it becomes very sensitive. My nipples are quite hard, almost sore. If I've rubbed myself against something – humped the edge of the bathtub, for instance – my legs and bottom tend to get very spastic. The most unique sensations come from letting water from the bathtub spout run over my vagina. It produces an orgasm so intense I almost black out.
- age 26, Alaska (female)
I usually use the simple rubbing-the-foreskin method. After my orgasm, I feel like I just went down in an elevator in 60 seconds. It varies. If I haven't done it in a while, the feeling is more like the "Demon Drop" at Six Flags [an amusement park].
- age 13, Michigan
I usually close my eyes as a climax approaches so I can get totally into the intensity of my orgasm. For a few minutes afterwards I keep them closed, with my hand still gently supporting my penis as I feel my body begin to return to normal. Breathing and heart rate slow and I feel incredibly relaxed, as if I were sinking gradually. My whole pelvic area radiates a soft, warm glow that remains for quite a while, even after I have wiped up my semen and lubricant with a tissue. Whether I climax from intercourse or masturbation, I rarely get "pre-cum," but usually have what I call "post-cum" – a clear fluid that continues to seep from my urethra for 5 or 10 minutes after orgasm. The feeling of this seepage adds to the post-orgasmic glow, which can sometimes last for an hour or two.
- age 59, New Jersey
I usually feel very relaxed, lying back and enjoying the feeling. Sometimes, though, I don't feel good afterwards – not sick, but just like the whole thing wasn't so enjoyable. But that is rare.
- age 18, California
I love to masturbate and usually do it soon after my period. My favorite place is my bed, just after taking a shower. Sometimes I have to take a second shower. It takes me 15 to 20 minutes to climax. Afterwards, I like to lie still for about 5 minutes. I feel quite relaxed and warm and calm. It is a most enjoyable time of the day.
- age 36, Florida (female)
I usually just lie back and relax. I rub my inner thighs and stroke my penis very slowly; it almost makes me want to sleep. I feel at peace.
- age 16, Wisconsin
Only a minute after orgasm? I'm still wiping up the semen from my belly and chest and tossing away the tissue. Next, I put away my nudie-magazine collection in a secure place by my desk. The physical and mental feeling, though, is one of tremendous exhilaration and energy. I cannot get down to work unless I start off the day with a masturbation session. After that, I am ready for anything.
- age 65, Maine
I just finished masturbating before answering this, so it's pretty fresh for me. I feel at peace, and very content. Nothing could drag me down right now, except for someone depriving me of the opportunity to feel like this again – peace, contentment, sleepiness. It's pretty common for me to feel this way after every orgasm. In fact, I'm about to doze off now, so I'll leave it there. Peace!
- age 18, Australia