Did you know that headaches can occur before and during sexual activity? Men are three times more likely than women to experience headaches related to sexual activity and it can happen from adolescence to retirement. Many couples consider such headaches normal during sex, but overlooking them and lacking timely check-ups can be more serious than thought.

Headache VS Sex

Sexual headache is a type of headache that can occur during sexual activity, whether it be before, during intercourse, masturbation, or even oral sex. The duration of the headache varies among individuals, which can affect family life and lead to health problems if not treated promptly.

Check for abnormal symptoms

Headaches that may occur during sexual activity can be divided into 2 types:

1. Headache nearing climax will have a dull, heavy sensation at the back of the head. The headache is usually not severe, but if the sexual activity increases in intensity, the headache can worsen.
2. Headache at the moment of climax is often a severe headache at the base of the neck, the back of the head, pain in the front, around the eyes, and then spreading throughout. Some people have it for just 1 minute, some may experience headaches for a day.

Treatment methods

• Mild headache from sexual activity and occurs infrequently can be treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs before having sex.
• Severe headache from sexual activity, especially if it’s the first time, it is advised to see a doctor immediately to find the potentially dangerous cause, such as brain hemorrhage, temporary constriction of brain blood vessels, torn blood vessel walls.

In cases where no dangerous cause is found and symptoms occur every time there is sexual activity, it is recommended to consult with a specialist for preventive medication.

Those at risk

• Aged over 40 years
• Female gender
• People with migraine or family history of it
• Pain lasts more than 24 hours
• Accompanied by other neurological symptoms

What’s interesting and must be cautious of is if experiencing unbearable sharp headaches during sexual activity, one should urgently see a doctor because it could be as severe as having an aneurysm, brain hemorrhage, and coronary artery constriction.