Sex headaches

Description

In rare cases, headaches can be caused by sexual activity — especially an orgasm. You may notice a dull pain in the head and neck that builds up as sexual excitement increases. Or, more commonly, you may experience a sudden, severe headache just before or during orgasm.

Most sex headaches are nothing to worry about. But some can be a sign of something more serious, such as problems with the blood vessels that supply the brain.

Symptoms

There are two types of sex headaches:

  • A dull pain in the head and neck that intensifies as it increases sexual arousal
  • A sudden, severe, throbbing headache, which occurs just before or at the moment of orgasm

In some people, both types of headaches are combined.

Most sex headaches lasts for at least several minutes. Others may persist for hours or even 2 to 3 days.

Many people who have sex headaches to the experience in groups of more than a couple of months, and then you can go for a year or more without having any. Up to half of all people with sex headaches of the experience of them in the course of about six months. Some people just have an attack during their lives.

When to see a doctor

Sex headaches are usually not a cause for concern. But talk to your health care provider right away if you experience a headache during sexual activity, especially if it begins abruptly or it is your first headache of this type.

Causes

Any type of sexual activity that leads to the orgasm can trigger sex headaches.

Abrupt onset and slow-to-build sex headaches can be primary headache disorders is not associated with any underlying condition. The sex of the headaches that come on suddenly are more likely to be associated with:

  • An extension to, or a bubble in the wall of an artery inside your head (intracranial aneurysm)
  • A spot of connection between the arteries and veins in the brain (arteriovenous malformation) that bleeds into the spinal fluid-filled space in the brain
  • Bleeding in the wall of an artery that goes to the brain (dissection)
  • The narrowing of the arteries in the brain (cerebral vasoconstriction reversible syndrome).
  • Stroke
  • Coronary artery disease
  • The use of some medications, such as birth control pills
  • The inflammation of certain infections

The sex of the headaches associated with loss of consciousness, vomiting, stiff neck, other neurological symptoms and intense pain that lasts for more than 24 hours is more likely to be due to an underlying cause.

Risk factors

Sex headaches can affect anyone. But risk factors for these headaches are:

  • The fact of being a man. Men are more likely to have sex headaches.
  • The story of migraine headaches. Be prone to migraine increases the risk of sex headaches.

Prevention

Sometimes the sex of the headaches can be prevented by the arrest of the sexual activity before orgasm. Taking a passive role during sex can also help.

Sex headaches

Diagnosis

Images of the brain

Your healthcare provider will probably recommend brain imaging.

  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). A Magnetic resonance image (MRI) of the brain can help to detect the underlying causes of your headache. During the MRI exam, a magnetic field and radio waves are used to create cross-sectional images of the structures inside the brain.
  • The computed tomography (CT).In some cases, especially if your headache occurred less than 48 to 72 hours in advance, a computed tomography (CT) of the brain can do. CTuses an x-ray of the unit that rotates around the body and a computer to create cross-sectional images of the brain and the head.
  • The magnetic resonance angiography (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) angiography. These tests visualize the blood vessels that carry blood and in the interior of the brain and the neck.

The computed tomography (CT). In some cases, especially if your headache occurred less than 48 to 72 hours in advance, a computed tomography (CT) of the brain can do.

CT uses x-ray unit that rotates around the body and a computer to create cross-sectional images of the brain and the head.

The angiograms

Your healthcare provider may also order a cerebral angiogram, a test that can show the neck and in the arteries of the brain.

This procedure involves inserting a thin, flexible tube through a blood vessel, usually starting at the groin to an artery in the neck. Contrast Material is injected into the tube to allow an X-ray machine to create an image of the arteries in the neck and the brain.

Spinal tap

Sometimes a lumbar puncture (spinal tap) it is necessary, especially if the headache began abruptly and, very recently, and brain imaging is normal.

With this procedure, the doctor takes out a small amount of the fluid that surrounds the brain and the spinal cord. The fluid sample can show if there is bleeding or infection.

Treatment

In some cases, their first sexual headache may also be your only. Some sex headaches to get better quickly, so that the pain will be gone before any analgesic that can work.

Preventive medications

If you have a history of sex headaches, and there is not an underlying cause, your doctor may recommend that you take preventive medications regularly. These may include:

  • Daily medications. Beta-blockers, for example, propranolol (Inderal, Innopran XL) or metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol-XL) — which is used to treat high blood pressure, coronary artery disease and migraines — can be taken daily to prevent the sex headaches. They are only recommended if you have frequent or prolonged attacks. A calcium channel blocker, such as verapamil hydrochloride (Calan SR) — which is also used to treat high blood pressure — may be an option. In people who have a history of migraine, other preventive migraine medications may be used.
  • Occasional drug. Indomethacin, an anti-inflammatory, or one of the triptans, a class of anti-migraine medicines can be taken an hour before sexual intercourse to prevent headaches.

Preparing for your appointment

It is likely to start by seeing your provider. However, you may be referred to a neurologist. Here's some information to help you prepare for your appointment and know what to expect from your doctor.

What you can do

  • Be aware of any pre-appointment restrictions. When you make the appointment, ask if there is something that you need to do in advance, such as the restriction of the diet.
  • Write down any symptoms you're experiencing, including any that may seem unrelated to the reason for which you scheduled the appointment.
  • Write down key personal information, including past illnesses and operations, the major stresses or recent life changes, and any medical problems that run in your family.
  • Make a list of all the medicines, vitamins, and supplements you are taking.
  • Have a family member or friend along, if possible. Someone who accompanies you may remember something that you missed or forgot.
  • Write questions to ask their provider.

Prepare a list of questions can help you make the most of your time with your provider. For the headaches associated with sexual activity, some questions to ask your provider include:

  • What is likely causing my symptoms or condition?
  • There are other possible causes of your symptoms or condition?
  • What tests do I need?
  • Is my condition likely temporary or chronic?
  • What is the best course of action?
  • What are the alternatives to the primary approach you're suggesting?
  • I have these other health conditions. How can I best manage them together?
  • Are there any restrictions that I have to comply?
  • You should see a specialist?
  • Is there a generic alternative to the medicine you're prescribing?
  • Are there brochures or other printed material that I can take? What sites do you recommend?

Do not hesitate to ask other questions that may arise during your appointment.

What to expect from your doctor

Your provider is likely to ask you questions, such as:

  • When did you first have a sex headache?
  • How quickly did your headache start?
  • When did the headache begins in relation to the orgasm?
  • Have your headaches has been continuous or intermittent?
  • There were symptoms in addition to pain?
  • Have you had any other types of headaches? If so, what are they like?
  • Has someone in their immediate family to experience migraines or headaches associated with sexual activity?
  • What, if anything, seems to improve your headaches?
  • What, if anything, makes your headaches worse?
Symptoms and treatment of Sex headaches