Waldinger et al proposed 5 preliminary diagnostic criteria designed to capture most cases.
Criterion 1 states that at least 1 of following symptoms occurs after orgasm: flu-like state, extreme fatigue, muscle weakness, feverishness, mood disturbances or irritability, memory difficulty, concentration difficulties, incoherent speech, congested or runny nose, or itchy eyes. These complaints were also classified into 7 clusters of symptoms (general, flu-like, head, eyes, nose, throat, muscles) based on patients’ interviews.
Criterion 2 states that symptoms occur immediately to within a few hours of orgasm from sexual intercourse, masturbation, or nocturnal emission.
Criterion 3 states that symptoms occur in more than 90% of orgasm events.
Criterion 4 states that symptoms last for 2-7 days.
Criterion 5 states that symptoms disappear spontaneously.