Headache and Sex - A Surprisingly Good Combination

6.06.2011 | By: T. B.

Sex can trigger or stop the headache. In which cases is sex a good solution for headaches and when it should be avoided?

In some cases sex is the best and definitely the most healthy cure for a headache. (PhotoXpress)

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It is very hard to give a clear message about sex. Numbers connected with it are all in duality and full of ''what if-s''. The most frequent conclusion is that it all depends on the individual and (in this case) the type of a headache.

Headache is not an excuse but a reason to have sex

The research about headaches was conducted in 1998, in the state of Oklahoma. One of the women who took part in the research openly spoke about her migraines and their connection to sexual intercourse. She confessed to James Couch, a professor at the Oklahoma University, that she has bigger problems with migraines since her divorce and he got an idea to start a research about the connection between headaches and sex. It was discovered that one biological process - the climax, blocks the other - the pain. The research included 84 women. Two thirds of women indulged in sexual activity, despite the migraine. 61 percent of women confirmed the claim that sex eases the pain. Such level of efficiency can be compared to the effect of some drugs used for migraines. 20 percent of women confirmed that the migraine completely disappeared, while the average success rate of drugs is 30 percent. The results of this research are similar to another research conducted at the Medical School in South Illinois, where the connection between sex and migraines was examined on 52 people. The headache can appear as a result of hormonal imbalance, especially the surplus of estrogen. Women's headaches (and migraines) because of hormonal imbalance occur mostly during the PMS and sex is a good way to restore the balance. If you take into consideration the side effects of drugs, sex is the most healthy choice!

Beneficial effects of sex on headaches

The scientists offer two possible explanations as to why sex is so effective in case of migraines. One explanation is that endorphins and other hormones which relieve pain are secreted during sex. Right before the orgasm, the level of oxytocin increases up to five times. Endorphins have a soothing effect on all kinds of problems, from arthritis to headaches. Estrogen in women additionally helps to alleviate PMS. The other explanation focuses on the stimulation of the nerves which also relieve pain during labor. Some are more skeptical and say that sex stops the headache only temporarily, but it returns soon after.

Headache is not always just an excuse

You should never indulge in sexual activity if you are dehydrated. Headache which is the result of dehydration, can only become more severe and even dangerous. It is also true that sex doesn't help with every type of migraine. Professor Randolf Evans ascertained that in 10 percent of all cases sex is the one that triggers a migraine. Despite the stereotype that women are the one who use a headache as an excuse, it is a bigger possibility that men will get a headache after sex. The so-called orgasmic headache affects approx. 1 percent of men. A special group of men, affected by headache after sex, are also men who use Viagra.