Ask QC: Why do I always feel guilty after sex?

Hi there Ask QC,

I’m 22 and have been sexually active for a number of years now, the thing is although I absolutely love having sex its afterwards I always feel guilt.

And its not as though I was brought up in some heavy religious environment or anything like that. I came out at 16 to my parents and family and friends, no problems there.

And I’ve had a few long term relationships but currently I’m not dating – again, I don’t have any issues with that – I’m going through college and don’t want to be tied down with a full on relationship at the moment.

It’s just that after I’ve had sex I get this overwhelming feeling of guilt, I feel bad about what we just did, I kinda feel dirty and degraded. Hard to explain but this feeling lasts for anything from a few hours to a few days and then I’m okay again. I’m up and ready for having sex again, and it’s really not as though I don’t want sex or hate it (when I’m doing it) its just the really horrible feeling I get afterwards.

I guess it’s not “normal” (whatever that is) but that’s why I thought I would write in and see if anyone can help me or point me in the right direction on this one.

Thanks guys, love you all at QC!

Ferdi

Hi Ferdi and thanks for writing in with your question and concerns. How we react and are affected by sex is probably different for all of us, but its usual to have good, happy and warm feelings and not bad feelings after sex? Any readers out there who’ve had a condition where sex makes them feel guilty? If so, perhaps you would be able to share your experiences with Ferdi? Or any readers who’s partners have felt like this? How did you overcome and resolve those feelings? So, dear QC readers, if you have any tips and advice for Ferdi please feel free to share your wisdom and advice with all in the QComments section!
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