Are Sex Headaches Making Sex Unenjoyable?
This article was medically fact-checked by Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist Dr. Shree Datta.
Are headaches getting in the way of your sex life? Not your regular, run of the mill headaches, but truly head-splitting headache? Sex headache might be the culprit, and they can put a serious cramp on your sex life.
What is a Sex Migraine?
We’ve thankfully left most ‘Honey, I have a headache’ humor in bad sitcoms from the 60s where they belong. And many people have found orgasms can offer pain relief for minor aches and pains. But unfortunately, headaches caused by sex are another story.
Normal headaches can be caused by different things—everything from sitting with bad posture to being stressed to forgetting to drink enough water. They usually feel like a dull pressure in your forehead.
Sex headaches can start with sexual activity and build as you reach orgasm, or come on suddenly with orgasm. They can be intense, and while most only last a few moments, they can last hours or even days. Most people will experience sex headaches in clusters over a few months, and then they may go away.
Is There a Cure or Treatment for Sex headache?
Sex headaches aren’t usually a cause for concern, but you should notify your healthcare providers right away if you experience a headache during sex or masturbation—especially if it happens suddenly or it’s your first time getting a sex headache.
This is because while most sex headaches are nothing serious, they can sometimes be a sign of something more serious. This is particularly likely if your sex headache causes vomiting or causes severe pain that lasts more than 24 hours.
If you experience frequent sex headaches and underlying health concerns are ruled out, there are two pain options. You can read more about them here, but they generally boil down to taking daily medications like beta-blockers, or occasional medications like an anti-inflammatory just before sex.
There are things you can do about your sex headaches, so you’re not sentenced to avoiding sex or orgasms all your life!
Facts Checked By:
Dr. Shree Datta is a Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist in London, specialising in women’s health including all menstrual problems such as fibroids and endometriosis. Dr. Shree is a keen advocate for patient choice, having written numerous articles and books to promote patient and clinician information. Her vision resonates with INTIMINA, with the common goals of demystifying periods and delivering the best possible care to her patients.
Article written by:
Lane Baumeister is an internationally-based Canadian writer with several years’ experience creating educational and entertaining articles that discuss intimate health and sexual well-being. When not waxing profound about menstruation, she devotes herself to enjoying extremely good food and equally bad movies.
