Sexual Headaches - Headaches Caused by Intercourse

2.07.2010 | By: I. M.

Yes that’s right. In some cases, sexual intercourse and orgasm can cause a bad headache or a sexual headache, as some like to call it.

Any type of sexual activity that leads to an orgasm can cause a sexual headache. (Photoxpress)

Sexual headaches - headaches during sexual intercourse

In some cases, sexual activity and orgasm can cause a headache. The pain appears as tension in the neck and head, which increases together with arousal, or as a sudden and severe pain in the head prior to or during an orgasm. At least 1% of people will have a headache because of sex at least once in their life. Men are three times more likely to have it than women, which is surprising because women normally suffer from headaches more often than men. A sexual headache usually does not last long, although it might sometimes last several hours. It can also occur during masturbation. Otherwise, sexual headaches are harmless, but some headaches can be part of a major health problem, especially for people who suffer from headaches every time they have sexual intercourse.

Symptoms of a sexual headache

In general, there are two types of sexual headache. The real and more common form occurs suddenly while experiencing an orgasm or a few seconds later. It is described as a strong and sharp pain in the head. The other type of headache appears as a slow and soft pain on each side of your head, which accumulates and intensifies together with an increase in erotic arousal during sexual intercourse. Most headaches do not last very long, but sometimes they can last several hours.

Causes of sexual headache

Any type of sexual activity that leads to an orgasm, including masturbation or oral sexual intercourse, can cause a sexual headache. Sexual intercourse increases blood pressure and, consequently, the pressure in the head and it also causes muscle contractions and tension. Headaches are a result of both causes because of blood vessel dilation in the head in both cases. Sexual headache usually indicates a serious health problem, such as meningitis, aneurism, tumor, heart attack risks and other conditions. In any case, it is advisable that you consult your doctor if you have constant sexual headaches. Sometimes the cause of a headache during sex can be contraceptive pills, smoking of marijuana, anaemia, glaucoma, sinus infection or low blood sugar.

Medical assistance in case of a sexual headache

Sexual headaches usually aren’t risky, but it is nevertheless advisable to talk to your doctor if such headaches occur again and again. If you have a sexual headache, it is best to avoid any sexual activity until the headache disappears entirely. Sometimes Lekadol is enough to ease the pain. In the event that you have recurrent sexual headaches, your general practitioner will probably suggest a treatment similar to other types of headache and migraine. In an emergency, you can also use caffeine-based food or drink, such as coffee. Pain can also be alleviated with cold compresses and by lying down in a dark and quiet room. In most cases, such headaches disappear spontaneously.