Category: Orgasmic Related Migraines

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Can sex relieve migraine?

by Sasha Santhakumar

Migraine is a medical condition that can involve severe, recurring headaches. Medications can help manage symptoms, and some evidence suggests sexual activity may be beneficial too. However, more research is needed, as sex may trigger migraine headaches in some people.

Migraine is a neurological condition that can encompass a variety of symptoms, which can include headaches.

However, migraine usually produces symptoms that are more intense and debilitating than headaches, and some types of migraine may not cause head pain.

Migraine episodes may occur occasionally or frequently and can cause a person to experience:

  • sensitivity to light or sound
  • nausea
  • vomiting

Many factors can cause or trigger migraine episodes, including:

  • stress
  • anxiety
  • hormonal changes
  • certain foods
  • loud noises

While different methods to relieve migraine exist, some research indicates that the pain relief that may accompany sexual intercourse could help relieve some symptoms.

In this article, we will discuss the relationship between sex and migraine.

Some research has shown the possible benefits of sexual intercourse on the symptoms of migraine.

According to the Association of Migraine Disorders, people may experience pain relief as a result of sexual intercourse due to the production of endorphins. Endorphins are a type of hormone that the body typically produces in response to pleasure, such as during an orgasm from sex. They can help block pain perception in the body, and the pain relief these hormones provide may be even greaterTrusted Source than that of morphine.

An older 2013 studyTrusted Source exploring the effects of sexual activity on migraine found positive results. Of the individuals who participated in sexual activity while experiencing a migraine, 60% reported an improvement in their migraine symptoms.

However, there is still a lack of research into the positive effects of sex on migraine symptoms. Therefore, more research into this area is still necessary.

While sex may relieve migraine symptoms in some people, it can also trigger migraine episodes in others.

According to the American Migraine Foundation, primary headache associated with sexual activity is a rare type of headache that a person may experience either during or after sexual activity. Some people may refer to these types of headaches as orgasmic or pre-orgasmic headaches.

Physical activity may aggravateTrusted Source symptoms in people with migraine. Therefore, strenuous sexual activity may also trigger a migraine episode.

Primary headaches associated with sexual activity normally occur on both sides and the back of the head. They normally last between 1 minute to 24 hours when the pain is severe, and up to 72 hours when the pain is mild.

A person may experience a dull pain in the back of their head during sexual activity and before orgasm, which is known as a pre-orgasmic headache. Alternatively, a person may experience a sudden, explosive headache that results in severe throbbing pain prior to or during an orgasm, which is known as an orgasmic headache.

Pre-orgasmic headaches may occur due to excessive neck and jaw muscular contraction, while orgasmic headaches may result from:

  • an increase in blood pressure
  • an increase in heart rate
  • activation of the trigeminal neurovascular system

A 2021 literature reviewTrusted Source notes that people who experience headaches during sexual activity rarely experience nausea or sensitivity to light or sounds.

At present, no research indicates if there is a particular association between certain types of migraine or sexual acts.

As the beneficial effects may relate to the release of endorphins from orgasm, the type of sex is not critical. This means that masturbation or other forms of sexual activity may also help block the perception of pain from a migraine episode.

As strenuous activities can lead to migraine symptoms, it may be advisable for people to take a less active role during sexual activity if it is a potential migraine trigger.

There is currently no absolute cureTrusted Source for migraine, as researchers do not yet fully understand the mechanism of migraine and its underlying causes. However, a person can try different approaches to improve their symptoms.

A person may be able to prevent migraine episodes using medication. The drug erenumab (Aimovig) is a monoclonal antibody. These types of drugs block the activity of certain proteins in the body. In this case, they block a protein known as calcitonin gene-related peptide, which plays a role in migraine.

Other medications, includingTrusted Source ubrogepant (Ubrelvy) tablets and lasmiditan (Reyvow), are also available and approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to help prevent migraine episodes.

However, while people can use these drugs for migraine prevention, there is not much evidence to suggest they are effective for migraine associated with sexual activity. Instead, a doctor may prescribe other medications, such as:

A person may also benefit from non-pharmacological strategies, such asTrusted Source:

A person may also benefit from making lifestyle changes. For example, a person may find it useful to change their diet if certain foods trigger a migraine episode. Similarly, quitting smoking may also reduce the likelihood of migraine episodes in the future if smoking is a trigger.

A person may benefit from keeping a journal or log of their potential personal triggers. This can help them avoid such triggers in the future and also identify a migraine episode more quickly.

During an acute migraine episode, medications that a person may find useful to deal with pain includeTrusted Source:

  • aspirin
  • ibuprofen
  • sumatriptan
  • ergotamine drugs

A person’s doctor may also prescribe them drugs known as antiemeticsTrusted Source, such as metoclopramide (Reglan), which may help decrease nausea and vomiting.

A person should contact a doctor if they experience reoccurring symptoms and have not had an official diagnosis from a doctor. Symptoms that a person should be aware of includeTrusted Source:

  • a one-sided headache that can occur for a period of 4–72 hours
  • nausea or vomiting
  • moderate to severe pain
  • sensitivity to light and sound

Some people with migraine may also experience visual and sensory disturbances known as aura. These can appear asTrusted Source:

  • flashes of light
  • blind spots
  • tingling in the face or hands

According to the American Migraine Foundation, a person should also contact a doctor if:

  • migraine is interfering with their life
  • migraine episodes are occurring once a week or more
  • migraine episodes occur more often than not
  • a person is taking over-the-counter medication more than twice a week to treat their migraine symptoms

A person should consult a doctor to exclude other potentially life threatening conditions if they have:

  • a sudden onset of migraine symptoms
  • severe migraine symptoms
  • a sudden headache associated with sex for the first time

Migraine is a type of neurological condition that can present with a variety of symptoms, which can include severe headaches.

Some evidence indicates that sexual intercourse may help relieve migraine symptoms in some people. This may be due to the release of feel-good hormones and their potential pain-relieving qualities. Conversely, other evidence suggests that sexual activity could trigger migraine episodes for other individuals.

Tips to relieve migraine symptoms may involve:

  • medications
  • lifestyle changes
  • relaxation techniques

If migraine symptoms are frequent and debilitating, it is advisable for a person to contact their doctor.

Complete Article ↪HERE↩!

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Why You Have Headaches After Sex

By Lauren Evoy Davis

Headaches can be used as a reason to postpone sex, “not tonight honey, I have a headache.” However, in rare circumstances, sex can be the cause of a headache. These sex headaches happen moments before or at the peak of sexual excitement, the orgasm. They can happen during solo sex or sex with a partner.

Sex-related headaches are more likely to occur in people who experience migraines and tend to affect more men than women.1

This article will clear up some of the confusion about what a sex-related headache is and how to get relief.

Sex headaches are a very rare occurrence, afflicting 1% to 6% of the general population.2< This headache can occur right before or immediately after orgasm and last anywhere from one hour to 24 hours. The pain varies from mild to severe, according to American Migraine Foundation (AMF).3

These headaches can be a symptom of another health ailment such as a tumor or a stroke, but other times they’re not related to anything definitive.4

Sex Headaches in Men

Men are about four times more likely than women to experience sex headaches.1

Types

There are a few types of sex headaches that people experience:

Orgasm Headache

The orgasm headache may start with a dull ache in the head, neck, and jaw that intensifies with sexual excitement and concludes with a sudden and severe headache at the point of orgasm.

Sexual Benign Headache

The sexual benign headache is a response to an increase in blood pressure during sexual activity. The pain may start around or behind the eyes. It usually lasts a few minutes, but can last for hours.

The headache is usually made worse by movement and can have similar symptoms to a migraine, such as sensitivity to light and nausea.5

Causes and Risk Factors

According to the American Migraine Foundation, the pre-orgasmic or organismic headache is a “primary” headache, meaning that it isn’t caused by another condition or disorder.3hemorrhage) or are at risk of stroke.1

Much like other genetic conditions, some studies show that sex-related headaches can run in families. Knowing your family history for all sorts of health conditions can be an important part of learning about your own health issues.1

People who are overweight or have high blood pressure are at a slightly higher risk of these headaches.1

It’s best to have a doctor examine you and perform tests to rule out anything unusual.

Diagnosis

If you’re experiencing sex headaches, your healthcare provider may order blood tests and a CT scan or a MRI to make sure there are no other underlying causes for your symptoms.

Treatment

Treatment may depend on the type of headache that you have.

  • Over-the-Counter (OTC) Drugs: OTC pain relievers like ibuprofen can help manage headache symptoms.
  • Indomethacin: This nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) requires a prescription and can be taken prior to sexual activity. Side effects include the risk of fatal heart attack or stroke.6
  • Propranolol, metoprolol, or nadolol: These are beta-blockers that lower blood pressure and require a prescription. Side effects include rash, blurred vision, insomnia, hair loss, muscle cramps, and fatigue.

Ironically, sexual activity may also relieve the searing pain you’re feeling after the last orgasm.

How Can I Prevent a Sex Headache?

These types of headaches come on suddenly. There are no known prevention methods. If someone who gets migraines is also experiencing sex headaches, they should avoid known migraine triggers such as alcohol, caffeine, and irregular sleep schedule, and artificial sweeteners.7

Summary

Sex headaches can occur right before orgasm or right after orgasm during solo sex, or sex with a partner. They may be sporadic and not occur during every enounter. People who are susceptible to migraine headaches are also at risk for sex-related headaches. Men are 3 to 4 times more likely to experience a sex headache.1
There are some medications available that you can be prescribed to take before sexual activity to offset a headache.

A Word From Verywell

Sex is heart-healthy and good for overall emotional and physical health.8

However, a sex-related headache can be painful and scary. If sexual activity causes pain like severe headaches during or immediately after orgasm, schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider right away to rule out other conditions

Your provider will ask you questions to learn more about your symptoms and how often these headaches occur to determine the root cause. They may ask if you get migraines or if other family members experience these types of headaches.

If sex headaches occur with some frequency, it might be a good idea to keep a journal of dates and times of these occurrences.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can sex cure a headache?

    Yes. In some cases, sexual activity that leads to an orgasm can alleviate a headache. In other cases, it can make it worse. It depends on the individual.

  • What types of sex headaches are there?

    An orgasm headache may start with a dull ache in the head, neck, and jaw that intensifies with sexual excitement and concludes with a sudden and severe headache at the point of orgasm. A sexual benign headache is a response to an increase in blood pressure during sexual activity.

  • What home remedies are there for headache relief?

    Try keeping the lights dim, drinking water, and taking OTC pain relievers like ibuprofen to treat a headache.

Complete Article ↪HERE↩!

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What Do You Do When Orgasms & Sexual Arousal Give You a Headache?

By Claire Gillespie

It’s a common reason to give if you’re just not in the mood for between-the-sheets action. “Not tonight. I have a headache,” is a pretty effective mood-killer. But what if it’s not an excuse, but a serious health issue?

For one in 100 people, coital cephalalgia — also known as primary sex headache or headache associated with sexual activity — makes sex painful. According to Patient, there are two types of primary sexual headache: early coital cephalalgia and orgasmic coital cephalalgia.

Early coital cephalalgia is typically a dull, cramping pain occurring before orgasm and intensifying as sexual arousal increases. it is believed to relate to an excessive contraction in the head and neck muscles prior to orgasm. Orgasmic coital cephalalgia is more common and more severe, although it doesn’t last as long (around 15 minutes on average). It occurs during orgasm and presents itself as a sudden, extreme throbbing headache.

Additionally, a secondary sex headache known as late coital cephalalgia may occur after sex, causing extreme discomfort when standing, and can only be lessened when the sufferer lies back down. This type of headache associated with sexual activity can last for several hours or even days in extreme cases.

Anyone can experience headache associated with sexual activity, but being prone to migraines increases your risk of getting one, and men are three to four times more likely to suffer than women, possibly because men may exert themselves more during sex.

The last thing we want from sex is a headache, right? So what causes coital cephalalgia, and just how serious is it? Step forward neuroscientist in sexuality, Nicole Prause (who also used to work in a specialty headache clinic, so we can’t think of anyone better qualified to advise on this particular issue.)

“Headache after intercourse, masturbation or orgasm is very rare and tends to be rapid-onset and short-duration, making efforts to pinpoint a single cause very difficult,” Prause told SheKnows. “It is most likely related to simple exertion, just like from exercise, in most cases. So far as we know, there is nothing special about sex that promotes headache.”

While any rapid-onset head pain could signify a more serious condition, such as a hemorrhage, if a headache is experienced regularly during sex, it’s unlikely to be life-threatening. That doesn’t mean it’s not a threat to your sex life, but there are ways to relieve head pain following sex, masturbation or orgasm.

“You can treat prophylactically [take pain medications prior to starting sexual activity], but if the headaches are infrequent and not too severe, waiting to medicate until first pain is a likely a better strategy to avoid rebound headaches in the future,” advised Prause. “Also, consider the positions during intercourse. Posture can most certainly contribute to headaches. For a female-with-male partner, try straddling him over an armless chair to avoid shifting from laying to sitting positions rapidly.”

The good news is that experimenting with different sex positions and habits could be the key to figuring out how to stop primary sex headache.

“It may be that being sexual at a different time of day, using different positions or testing your headache propensity with exercise at a similar time of day to when you are having sex can identify what aspect triggers your headaches,” said Prause. “This could allow you to modify sex to reduce the chances you will end up with a headache, such as by having sex before dinner rather than after!”

As with all health issues, make an appointment with your doctor if you have concerns about primary sex headache.

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A New Year of Q&A — Podcast #252 — 01/03/11

[Look for the podcast play button below.]

Hey sex fans,

We’re BAACK, and it’s a brand new year! Did ya’ll have a brilliant holiday season? I sure hope so. And while I really enjoyed my brief winter break from podcasting, I’m eager to get back at it, don’t cha know. During these last two weeks of relative down time, I’ve been busy lining up an amazing array of outstanding guests who will make 2011 another banner year of interviews and conversations.

But today we break open the new year with some hot Q&A action. We haven’t had one of these kinds of shows since mid October. So that means my inbox is overflowing. I also have the pleasure of announcing The Dr Dick Review Crew’s Favorite Products of 2010 list.

Today we hear from:

  • Josiah is having a problem coming out, because his family is super religious.
  • Donna is my kind of perv. She’s into BDSM, but she’s also disabled.
  • The Powerchair Pimp is sick and tired of being a virgin.
  • Arthur wants to hook up with older dudes.
  • Stacy may have orgasmic related migraines.

The Dr Dick Review Crew’s Favorite Products of 2010

BE THERE OR BE SQUARE!

Check out The Lick-A-Dee-Split Connection. That’s Dr Dick’s toll free podcast voicemail HOTLINE. Don’t worry people; no one will personally answer the phone. Your message goes directly to voicemail.

Got a question or a comment? Wanna rant or rave? Or maybe you’d just like to talk dirty for a minute or two. Why not get it off your chest! Give Dr Dick a call at (866) 422-5680.

DON’T BE SHY, LET IT FLY!

Look for all my podcasts on iTunes. You’ll fine me in the podcast section, obviously, or just search for Dr Dick Sex Advice. And don’t forget to subscribe. I wouldn’t want you to miss even one episode.

Today’s Podcast is bought to you by: DR DICK’S — HOW TO VIDEO LIBRARY.

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