What does postcoital mean?
Postcoital means occurring after sexual intercourse. The adjective is used particularly in medicine, sexology, and psychology to describe physical or emotional experiences that follow intercourse. Postcoital fatigue, for example, is a temporary feeling of tiredness or reduced energy afterward, while postcoital euphoria refers to a sense of happiness or well-being. The term can also describe physical symptoms, such as postcoital bleeding, which may occasionally occur but can require medical evaluation if it persists or is severe. Because it identifies a specific stage after intercourse rather than describing sex in general, postcoital is especially useful in clinical discussion and research. It is more formal than conversational alternatives such as “after sex” and less restricted than expressions focused only on particular responses or symptoms.
adjectiveRelating to or occurring after sexual intercourse.
- Occurring or taking place after sexual intercourse.
- Relating to the period following sexual intercourse.
"The clinician explained that mild postcoital bleeding can occur, but persistent bleeding requires medical assessment."
"Postcoital fatigue is a normal response for many people."
"The study measured postcoital euphoria among participating couples."
A small word with a precise timeline: it describes anything that happens in the hours after sexual intercourse.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does postcoital come from?
The word combines the English prefix post-, meaning “after,” with coital, an adjective derived from Latin coitus, a noun based on coire, “to come together.” Coital developed into English in the sense “pertaining to sexual intercourse.” Adding post- produced a modern formation meaning “after sexual intercourse,” paralleling related forms such as precoital.
Related word forms
How postcoital is actually used
Chiefly used in medicine, sexology, psychology, and relationship research. It is clinical and descriptive rather than literary or informal.