Can pleasure (sex/masturbation) cause depression?

[Lubopitny]

I have been contending with debilitating depression the past four years. According to various medical sources, that by engaging in successive pleasure (climaxing/chemical release triggered) does not cause depression. However, in my personal experience this is not the case. To be clear, this is not related to views on both forms of pleasure that lead to guilt, shame, etc. Rather, I likely have an underlying neurological condition that others may possess as well but may be unaware of it or may be convinced otherwise, which furthers possible inadequate consideration of study. As I have come to understand, this may take years to progress when engaging in such pleasures resulting in depression gradually, suffice this underlying condition is present. My basis for this being; I never felt the mental benefits that follow upon climaxing. Rather, given my present predisposition I generally and immediately feel worse, sometimes to the point of being dreadful for a couple of days. Suffice that one were to completely abstain for two weeks I will begin to return to my former state of happiness. This was managed twice recently upon realization that masturbation has been the leading cause. Upon relapsing my depression returns - a very dulled mood with little will and interest in undertaking tasks. I have abstained, yet this time for an unknown reason my genitalia have become very sensitive resulting in climax without ejaculation thus rendering abstinence fruitless. Needless to say, I am uncertain as to the circumstances of my dopamine receptors and or respective neurons. I have pondered possibilities such as receptor damage, obstruction by other neurotransmitters released during climax (if this is possible) and or gradual decreased neuronal activity.

Furthermore, I have been on every standard medication for treatment of depression and am diagnosed with treatment resistant depression. To be clear, shame and guilt have no correlation as I have had no negativity towards engaging in masturbation. I do firmly believe that this unknown condition should be given consideration for study.

[specialmom]

I'm gonna be honest. I never heard of 'mental benefits' from sex (with someone or oneself). I thought it just felt good in the moment and that was it. I mean, exercise releases endorphins and other things that give a good feeling. And sex is a little bit of exercise but really just heart pumping. I would never consider it a work out. (maybe I don't do it right but it's not  like a kick boxing class, ha ha).

I don't want to downplay what you are saying but fear that you may be overthinking this. Have you ever worked with a therapist?

[Lubopitny]

No, I have not sought out a therapist. I am generally an optimistic individual even in spite of my present predicament, nor do I have any psychological trauma and or persistent negative thoughts. Doubtful I was initially of this matter, yet upon careful observation and time I find myself rather adamant that an underlying condition poses to be.

[specialmom]

Well, truly. You aren't a doctor and you have been told otherwise. We can get things in our head and stick to it. When it isn't the case. I'm , of course, not trying to argue with you. But having a positive outcome so you can have a regular life would be a good goal. and changing your thinking could help you. A therapist isn't just for but psychological trauma or diagnoses. It helps work through things. WHAT IF this is distorted thinking? What if you could work through that to be able to be sexual without dips in mood? Worth a try.

[specialmom]

There IS something called post coidal dysphoria. Basically, after sex blues. However, it is psychological. Not caused by hormonal shifts. The only time it is chemically related is for women after they have a baby. Otherwise, causes are abuse, anxiety and resentment. https://www.webmd.com/sex/what-to-know-postcoital-dysphoria  I really think a therapist is the way to go in order to work through this. I wouldn't place a negative connotation to treatment that includes psychological help because the BENEFIT is that you could actually move past this rather than just living with it.