(048) POST-ORGASMIC ILLNESS SYNDROME AS A DISABILITY
Authors: Bronson I , Cabral M , Maietta L , Rodillo K , Paulsen O , Finlay-Morriale H , Rothschild A , Rubin R 
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Post-orgasmic illness Syndrome (POIS) is a rare medical condition characterized by a range of distressing physical and cognitive symptoms that occur shortly after ejaculation and persist for several days after each ejaculation event. The severity of the disability that the disease imposes has not been formally assessed. This cross-sectional use of the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Questionnaire: Specific Health Problem V2.0 survey (WPAI:SHP) aims to elucidate the degree of disability conferred upon patients by POIS.

Objective

This project aims to assess the impact that POIS has on individuals’ ability to work and be active. The study aims to initiate a line of questioning for researchers, clinicians, patient advocates, and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission to consider regarding the status of POIS as a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) and comparable laws in countries across the world.

Methods

The WPAI: SHP was administered to male participants 18 years or older diagnosed with POIS or reported symptoms pathognomonic to the disease. Surveys were distributed to patients via online forums/groups, including POIScenter.com, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Reddit (r/POIS). The results were coded and scored based on WPAI: SHP scoring. WPAI outcomes are expressed as impairment percentages, with higher numbers indicating greater impairment and less productivity.

Results

300 participants records were collected and included in our analysis with 167 complete records. 97.0% were within the age range of 18-64, 70.2% caucasian, 3.0% Black or African American, and 11.3% Asian. 9.3% reported Hispanic or Latino ethnicity. 73.5% of respondents reported current employment. They reported missing an average of 14.35% of their work time due to POIS, an average impairment at work of 66.69%, and an average activity impairment of 72.28%. Based on their answers, an average overall work productivity loss of 54.84% was calculated according to WPAI coding. Additionally, 88.7% of respondents reported a disability status of “no disability”.

Conclusions

When compared to other diseases with substantial WPAI data collected, including chronic lung diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic migraines, depression, and Crohn’s disease, the average overall work productivity and daily activity loss of POIS is greater than or within the margin of error of all of the stated diseases, though within the margin of error for some. Additionally, over one-quarter of respondents reported no current employment, while the vast majority were working age. POIS has attracted the attention of the sexual medicine community on the grounds that it is an unsolved pathology. Here, we aim to expand on the current disease discussion to include a patient-centered framing: POIS as a disability. One such framework may create opportunities for stable accommodations for POIS patients while the uncertain pathophysiology and treatment options continue to be explored.

Disclosure

No.