Why Do I Get Hungry After Sex?

Have you ever noticed feeling hungry suddenly after sexual intercourse with your partner? You’re not alone. Is it normal for a man to be hungry after sex? Feeling hungry after intimacy is a common experience among people, and there are various reasons behind it.

Let’s take a deeper look at how sex influences your appetite or does sex makes you hungry.

How Many Calories Does a Sex Session Burn? Let’s Take A Look

Even though having sexual intercourse sometimes feels like a workout, it is not a substitute for working out.

According to a study from the University of Quebec at Montreal, on average, men burn 101 calories (4.2 calories per minute) during sexual activity, while women burn 69.1 calories (3.1 calories per minute).

While many people think post-sex cravings could be due to a loss of calories, that’s not the main factor [1].

Is It Normal To Be Hungry After Sex?

Yes, it’s normal to feel hungry after intercourse. Sexual activity burns calories, triggers the release of various hormones, and causes fluid loss, which can increase hunger. Let’s explore these factors in detail below in this blog.

What Causes Hunger After Sex? Post-Sex Hunger Explained

Some of the reasons that might cause hunger after sexual intercourse are as follows –

Hormones Change And Post-Sex Hunger

During sexual activity, your body and brain undergo drastic hormonal changes. These changes play a role in your hunger pangs.

When you’re sexually excited, the production of hormones like testosterone and serotonin starts to increase. The production of these hormones peaks right after physical intimacy.

A 2012 study by Angelica Lindén Hirschberg suggested that sex hormones, particularly testosterone, may stimulate hunger. Since men experience a higher level of this hormone, it’s not uncommon for them to become hungry.

This increase in testosterone levels is one reason why you get hungry after sex.

Reduced Water Content

A person, after sexual activity, is going to lose water content from the body. While you’re having sex, you’re sweating constantly. As a result, the water inside is released.

Additionally, we know that our thirst increases after a physical activity session. The water in our bodies burns away, causing dehydration symptoms.

The Impact of Hydration on Post-Sex Hunger

It has been found that a dehydrated person may feel hungrier than a normal person.

The body often mistakenly perceives thirst as hunger. Dehydration can also impact blood sugar levels and metabolism, increasing the urge to eat. Therefore, 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 Can Increase Hunger

Having sexual activity is a matter of excitement. Excitement is a big reason behind stomach-emptying signs. The autonomic nerves are the ones responsible for triggering stomach-emptying factors.

As an individual remains excited after having sexual intercourse, this will directly translate into starvation or hunger. Due to this factor, a person is bound to feel an urge to have food after having sex, and this is a very normal thing.

Sperm Release Can Increase Hunger In Men

The sperm that is released after intercourse contains essential minerals and vitamins. It includes sodium, magnesium, calcium, and other compounds. After having intercourse, the body will feel its absence. This deficit of essential minerals will trigger a particular response from the brain.

This response will play a critical role in increasing hunger after Sexuality. The body will naturally want to make up for the loss it has witnessed, and because of this, your appetite may be enhanced after you are vigorous.

Why Do Some People Crave Junk Food After Sex?

Junk food cravings after sexual intercourse are common and are influenced by a combination of psychological and physiological factors. Sexual intercourse triggers the release of feel-good hormones like oxytocin, dopamine, and serotonin, which create a sense of pleasure and relaxation. These neurotransmitters are linked to food cravings, especially for high-calorie, salty, or sugary foods that quickly boost dopamine.

In addition, physical exertion during intercourse can lead to a drop in blood sugar levels, making the body crave energy-dense foods.

In a Yelp survey of over 2,000 single millennials, pizza ranked the top post-sex meal, with three-quarters of respondents craving a slice. Tacos followed in a distant second [4].

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 particular time. 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 calm down and return to a normal state.

Until then, you can drink water or juice to get some energy [2] [3].

Do ED Medications Like Viagra Cause Hunger?

Sometimes, many things can impact your sexual life, leading to relationship issues. One of the most common conditions affecting one’s intimate life is erectile dysfunction. It is a condition characterized by the inability to get and keep an erection.

If you’re someone who has erectile dysfunction, then you’re not alone. The good news is that various treatment options are available for this condition. One of the most potent treatment options for ED is medication such as Viagra. This medication works by improving blood flow to the penis, thus helping men get and maintain an erection firm enough for satisfactory sexual intercourse.

Viagra is not known to cause increased appetite. Some of the common side effects of Viagra are flushing, indigestion, nasal congestion, dizziness, and headaches. While these adverse effects can indirectly impact overall well-being, there is no evidence to suggest that Viagra has an influence on a person’s appetite or causes hunger.

How To Manage Post-Sex Cravings?

Some practical ways to manage post-sex hunger are [5] –

Hydration

We advise you to drink a lot of fluids before and after sex. It keeps you well-hydrated and reduces the risk of dehydration. By reducing dehydration, it reduces your cravings for food.

Eat Light Meal

To manage the feelings of hunger after intercourse, you can opt for light and nutritious food and enjoy it.

Listen To Your Body

If you genuinely feel hungry after having intercourse, then you can indulge in what your body wants. Sometimes, it is good to pay attention to your physical needs. But avoid the intake of something out of your habit.

What Foods Should You Eat After Sex?

Try the foods mentioned below that can improve your sexual health and energy instead of unhealthy options [6].

Yogurt

Yogurt contains probiotics that are great for your intestinal health. It helps flush out the toxins and helps support digestion, making it a tremendous post-sex option. For extra nutrients, you can also add berries or almonds.

Warm Milk

Warm milk can reduce hunger by lowering the hunger hormone ghrelin. It also aids digestion and calms the stomach, making it a soothing choice post-intercourse.

Fruits

Fruits like apples, avocados, bananas, and watermelon are perfect for after-sex cravings. They

provide essential nutrients, improve blood flow, and keep you well-hydrated. Therefore, they are excellent for recovery.

Vegetable Sandwich

A wheat-vegetable sandwich is light and filling. The bread’s whole grains are easy to digest, and the vegetables contain vitamins and minerals that help restore energy after intercourse.

When To Seek Medical Help?

If you’re still feeling hungry despite eating well, experiencing pain, or noticing unusual changes in your body, it’s essential to consult a healthcare provider. They can identify the underlying cause and provide the right solutions to support your well-being.

Conclusion

In conclusion, feeling hungry after having sexual encounters is normal. Embracing this reaction and having a healthy snack after your body calms down can help satisfy your hunger pangs and enhance your post-sex experience.