You know that feeling after orgasm when you have that “aha” moment? Right now feeling like you’ve gone through a spiritual reset? This phenomenon is known in society as “post lucidity”. Now, you may be reading this and thinking to yourself, Huh? I have very different experiences after sex! There is no “aha” moment after orgasm for me! You are not alone and I am glad you came across this blog! There are so many emotions that people feel after sex, and in reality, “after lucidity” is not a proven scientific concept. Chances are, you may be feeling that “aha” moment as a result of your media influence! The concept of “post-lucency” has gained popularity in recent years in casual discourse about orgasms and sexual activity, fueled by references in the media and pop culture (Benoit, 2023). Despite its popular and accepted term, “meta-nut-nut clarity” is not a valid term or phenomenon in the scientific literature. In fact, the research surrounding “post-coital lucidity” and orgasms in general remains pretty inconclusive. In this blog, I aim to critically examine “post-nut lucidity,” a term coined by the media, and question its scientific legitimacy. By exploring the creation of the term through its media influences and examining post-sex realities, I hope to debunk the myth of universal post-orgasmic mental clarity and highlight the varied emotional experiences associated with sexual activity.
The influence of media on clarity after the end
The term “post-clarity” was originally coined by influencer Alex Cooper on her podcast, “Call Her Daddy” in 2018 (Benoit, 2023). Since the release of this podcast, the term has since found its way into the mainstream media. The term is reinforced by high-profile celebrities such as Drake, who perpetrated the idea that orgasms lead to clearer thinking, in his song “Rich Baby Daddy” (Benoit, 2023). Drake’s lyrics “Post nut clarity, I came to my senses” demonstrate the use of the terms in popular culture and how this pseudoscientific term is usually reinforced by the media. It is important to recognize that the media’s role in disseminating terms can have a large effect on public perception. Indeed, media influence may contribute to unrealistic expectations about the cognitive effects of sexual activity and may classify mental clarity as a normative experience following sexual activity. This is extremely problematic, as “after lucidity” is an unproven phenomenon, which can contribute to unrealistic expectations about the psychological effects after sexual activity.
A Theory of “Clarity After Fruit”
One theory of “post-nut lucidity” may be linked to the restoration of blood flow to the parts of the brain involved in decision-making after orgasm. Dr. Rena Malik in a YouTube video published in 2023, claims that after reaching orgasm, blood rushes to these parts, rebooting the system. Malik (2023) suggests that during sexual arousal and orgasm, the area of the brain responsible for decision-making is briefly shut down due to reduced blood flow. This interruption may explain the change in mental state experienced. After orgasm, when blood flow returns, there could be increased activity in this area of the brain, contributing to a sense of mental clarity (Malik, 2023). This is a promising potential theory to explain why some people feel mentally clear after sex. However, it is important to note that this is simply a hypothesis about “post-nut clarity” and that this explanation remains speculative, as there is no current scientific evidence directly linking “post-nut clarity” to flow patterns blood to the brain. Further research is necessary to validate or reject this “post-clarity” hypothesis.
Realities after sex
After satisfying and consensual sex, some people may not experience any form of mental clarity. Indeed, people often feel a range of negative emotions such as sadness, anxiety, worry or irritability, according to scientific studies (Schweitzer et al., 2015). This is called post-coital distress (PCD) and is essentially the opposite of “post-sobriety lucidity” (Schweitzer et al., 2015). In fact, PCD is quite common and many people experience it after sexual activities (Maczkowiack & Schweitzer, 2019). A study by Maczkowiack & Schweitzer (2019) involved more than 1200 men from around the world. About 41% of them reported feeling symptoms of PAD at some point in their life, about 20% experienced these symptoms in the last month, and 3-4% felt them regularly (Maczkowiack & Schweitzer, 2019). This shows how typical post-sex feelings can be very negative for some, which is the exact opposite of “post-sex clarity.” Therefore, the promotion of “post-nut clarity” can have a distressing effect on people who actually experience SAD. People with SAD may feel alienated when they have negative thoughts after sex, as the normative mental experience promoted by society is mental clarity. This can lead to internalized feelings of stigma and shame, which can contribute to ongoing feelings of SAD. This shows how PCD contradicts “post-nut clarity” as “post-nut clarity” lacks scientific basis or empirical proof.
However, PCD is not the only reality after engaging in sex. In fact, many people after having sex or achieving orgasm with a partner often report feeling closer and more intimate after intercourse due to increased desire for their partner (Cera et al. 2021). This is due to the increased release of oxytocin, a hormone associated with bonds and positive emotions (Cera et al., 2021). Studies such as those reviewed by Cera et al (2021) have consistently shown that oxytocin levels increase during orgasm or ejaculation. This hormone release contributes to an increased sense of social cohesion and social contact among those engaged in sexual activities (Cera et al., 2021). Cera and colleagues (2021) highlighted how oxytocin has an important role in prosocial and positive emotions, which demonstrates its importance in post-arousal emotion regulation. So instead of having a momentary loss or “aha” feeling, you may actually maintain a sense of emotional well-being, as documented by reliable, scientific sources.
So what are we to make of “post-clarity”?
The next time you talk about “post-clarity” or bring it up in conversation, it’s important to remember where the term came from. “Post-nut clarity” was coined by influencers and celebrities, and now the term is entering sexual conversations. While the media suggests a link between increased mental clarity and post-orgasmic states, the scientific evidence leans toward a more complex emotional response. The well-documented phenomenon of SAD and increased oxytocin release after sex reveal a wide range of scientifically established emotional experiences following sexual activity. These experiences directly challenge the idea of mental clarity. So the next time you feel like you’re having an “aha” moment after orgasm, remember, it might just be a result of your conforming to media influences!
Regardless of how this term came about, “post-clarity” could be a very real phenomenon. Although no research has been conducted on lucidity after walnut, many people believe they have experienced this phenomenon and some medical professionals believe that this phenomenon could exist (Benoit, 2023). However, until “post-sex lucidity” is proven, we should focus on the facts and science of post-sex feelings and experiences. By debunking the unfounded term “post-sex lucidity” and looking at the scientific reality after sex, we can educate people about the complexity of emotional reactions. In this way, we can empower individuals to navigate their emotional responses and advance a better understanding of post-sex experiences.
Anonymous Student, BAH Psychology
References
Benoit, S. (2023, October 25). Is “post-walnut clarity” a real thing? GQ Wellness. https://www.gq.com/story/is-post-nut-clarity-real#:~:text=Medical%20science%20doesn%27t%20have,the%20phenomenon%20doesn%27t%20exist.&text=The %20term%20%E2%80%9Cpost%2Dnut%20clarity,Call%20Her%20Daddy%2C%20in%202018
Cera, N., Vargas-Cáceres, S., Oliveira, C., Monteiro, J., Branco, D., Pignatelli, D., & Rebelo, S. (2021). How relevant is systemic oxytocin concentration to human sexual behavior? A systematic review. Sexual Medicine, 9(4), 100370-100370. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.esxm.2021.100370
Maczkowiack, J., & Schweitzer, RD (2019). Postcoital discomfort: Prevalence and correlates among men. Journal of sex & marital therapy, 45(2), 128–140. https://doi.org/10.1080/0092623X.2018.1488326
Malik, R. (2023, May, 22). Clarity after nuts: Myth or reality?! The expert reveals! [Video]. Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P8f9y59fR-M
Schweitzer, RD, O’Brien, J., & Burri, A. (2015). Discomfort after intercourse: prevalence and psychological correlates. Sexual Medicine, 3(4), 235-243.
