Experts Reveal Headaches During Sex are Common

Headaches during sex might sound funny but not for those who experience it. Experts reveal that more adults are experiencing headaches that is linked with sexual activity.

The sudden onset of the rare and severe type of headache just before or during orgasm is not just frustrating but also abnormal. Comedians earlier joked about spouses avoiding sex due to the mysterious headache they develop. But researchers in this study claim that sex headaches are not to be taken lightly.

Nearly 1 percent of the adult experience headaches that is linked with sexual activity and these headaches can be severe but according to the researchers at the Loyola University Healthy System, the actual occurrence of this type of headache is much higher.

"Many people who experience headaches during sexual activity are too embarrassed to tell their physicians, and doctors often don't ask," said Dr. Jose Biller, who has treated dozens of patients for headaches associated with sexual activity (HAS).

Headache that occurs during orgasm is painful and scary. It is equally frustrating to both the individual suffering with it and also partner. Most often headaches occur due to certain disorders such as migraines or tension type headache.  But these headaches at times do occur due to secondary and other conditions that can be life threatening.

Most of the headaches associated with sexual activity is benign.  In minor cases the headaches occur due to serious conditions that include hemorrhage, headaches, stroke, brain aneurysm, cervical artery dissection of subdural hematoma.

"So we recommend that patients undergo a thorough neurological evaluation to rule out secondary causes, which can be life-threatening," Biller said. "This is especially important when the headache is a first occurrence."

Sexual activity can be same as mild-moderate-intensity exercise. The link between headaches and exercise was first noticed by an ancient Greek physician Hippocrates.  In 2004, HAS was classified as a distinct form or primary headaches by the International Headache Society.

When compared to women, men are nearly 3-4 times more likely to suffer from HAS. These sex headaches can be classified into three types. 

• Dull headache that occurs in the head and neck and starts before orgasm.  As the sexual arousal increases the headache gets worse and is similar to tension headache.

• Intensity painful headache that occurs during orgasm and stays for hours. It is called the thunderclap headache. 

• Headache that starts after sex and varies from mild to extremely painful.  It gets worse when the patients stand and subsides when they lie on their down on their back. This occurs due to the internal leak of spinal fluid.

"Depending on the type of headache, certain medications can help relieve the pain or even prevent the headache," Biller said. "Individuals can reduce their risk of sex headaches by exercising, avoiding excessive alcohol intake, keeping a healthy weight and counseling."