Should I be concerned if my girlfriend hyperventilates and passes out after having sex? 

Her reaction is to be scared, but she doesn't think that there is anything to worry about. But I am fearful there might be something wrong.

A: Hyperventilation is frequently associated with anxiety, but it does occasionally occur in both men and women as a part of sexual response and orgasm.

Hyperventilation is a rapid rate of breathing in which the body's normal exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide gets thrown off, resulting in too little carbon dioxide and too much oxygen. Even though hyperventilation means there's excess oxygen, it may sometimes cause fainting. By the way, hyperventilation and fainting can also result from drinking too much alcohol.

There are many other possible causes for fainting. Some of these are not serious, but others may be dangerous health problems requiring medical treatment, so I think you're right to be concerned. Repeated fainting should definitely be checked by a physician. Encourage your girlfriend to see a doctor to have this checked out. If she's embarrassed or frightened, offer to go with her to the appointment.

Date Published: Nov. 30, 1999
Date Reviewed: Nov. 30, 1999

Nancy Snyderman, M.D., F.A.C.S