Sex Headaches

The symptoms of sex headaches vary depending on its type.

Sex headaches are or two basic types .The first is characterized by a dull ache in the neck that becomes worse as sexual excitement peaks. And an abrupt, severe throbbing headache that occurs just before or at the moment of an orgasm.  

Some people experience these two types of sex headaches at the same time.  In most of these cases the headaches only last for a few minutes. However, in some cases these headaches can last for several hours even going on for two to three days. The most part of individuals  who experience sex headaches  have them in clusters over a few months nd them may go on for up to a year without any sex headaches. 

Almost half of all individuals with sex headaches experience them over the course of about six months. Certain individuals only experience sex headaches once during their lives. Sexual headaches are not meant to be a serious issue and should not spike a lot of concern. 

However, it is always wise to consult a doctor right away if headaches are experienced during sexual activity, especially if  it suddenly begins or is the first headache of this kind.

Any type of sexual activity that results in an orgasm can be cosidered a possible cause of sex headaches. Abrupt-onset and slow-to-build  sex headaches can be primary headache disordes not associated with any underlying condition. 

Sex headaches that arise suddenly are  likely to be associated with the following:  A widdening in the wall of an artery located in the head (intracranial aneurysm), an abnormal  connection between arteries and veins in the brain (arteriovenous information) that bleeds into the spinofluid-filled space in and around the brain. Bleeding into a wall of an artery that leads to the brain or a dissection. 

The use of certain medication such as birth control pills and inflammations from particular infections. Sex headaches associated with loss of cosciousness, vomiting, stiff neck  and other neurological symptoms and severe pain that can last for mor than a period of 24 hours. Other factors thTat can lead to sex headaches iclude  stroke or coronary artery disease.

The first stage of sex headaches diagnosis is always to begin by seeing a family doctor who can further refer one to a neurologist. Here's some information to help one get ready for their appointment and to know what to expect from their doctor. When you make the appointment, ask if there's anything you need to do in advance, such as restricting your 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, major stresses or recent life changes, and any medical problems that run in your family. 

Make a list of all medications, vitamins and supplements you're taking. Take a family member or friend along, if possible. Someone who accompanies you may remember something that you missed or forgot. Write down questions to ask your doctor. Preparing a list of questions can help you make the most of your time with your doctor. 

For headaches associated with sexual activity, some questions to ask your doctor include: 

• What is likely causing my symptoms or condition? 
• Are there other possible causes for my 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 need to comply with? 
• Should I see a specialist? 
• Is there a generic alternative to the medicine you're prescribing? 
• Are there brochures or other printed material I can take?
• What websites do you recommend? 

Don't hesitate to ask other questions that may come up during your appointment. 

What to expect from your doctor your doctor is likely to ask you questions, such as: 

• When did you first have a sex headache? 
• How quickly did your headache begin? 
• When did the headache begin in relation to orgasm?
•  Have your headaches been continuous or intermittent? 
• Were there any symptoms besides pain? 
• Have you had other types of headaches? If so, what are they like? 
• Has anyone in your immediate family experienced migraines or headaches associated with sexual activity? 
• What, if anything, seems to improve your headaches?
• What, if anything, makes your headaches worse? 

An MRI of the brain can help detect any underlying causes for a headache. During this exam, a magnetic field and radio waves are used to create cross-sectional images of the structures within the brain.

In some cases, especially if your headache occurred less than 48 to 72 hours beforehand, a CT (Computerized Tomography) scan of the brain may be done. CT uses an X-ray unit that rotates around your body and a computer to create cross-sectional images of the brain and head. 

Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) and computerized tomography (CT) angiography. These tests visualize the blood vessels leading to and inside your brain and neck.  

Your doctor may also order a cerebral angiogram, a test that can show the neck and brain arteries. This procedure involves threading a thin, flexible tube through a blood vessel, usually starting in the groin, to an artery in your neck. Contrast material is injected into the tube to allow an X-ray machine to create an image of the arteries in your neck and brain.  

Sometimes a spinal tap (lumbar puncture) is needed as well — especially if the headache started abruptly and very recently and brain imaging is normal. With this procedure, the doctor removes a small amount of the fluid that surrounds your brain and spinal cord. The fluid sample can show if there's bleeding or infection.

Treatment of sex headaches is done by pain relievers.

In certain cases, the first sex headaches may also be the only one. In other cases, sex headaches improve rapidly and the pain diminishes before any any pain reliever can be used. It is also encouraged to take preventive medications for those with a history of sex headaches. 

These medications are to be taken regularly and may include the following: 

• Beta blockers like propranolol (Inderal, Innopran XL) or metropolol ( Lopressor, Troprol-XL), these medications are used to treat high blood pressure, coronary disease and migranes. They may be taken daily to prevent any headaches. They can only be recommende to people who have regular-occurring or prolonged attacks. 
• Occasional medications such as Indomrthacin (Indicin, Tivorbex), which is an anti-inflammatory or one of the triptans, a class of anti-migraine medications can be taken an hour before coitus to prvent any possible sex headaches.

In some cases, sex headaches can be prevented by stopping any sexual activity before the point of orgasm. This passive role during sexual intercourse can be very helpful in preventing any sex headaches.

Men are  generally at a higher risk of having sex headaches than women are.

Sex headaches are not specific to a particular group of individuals. They can be experienced by anyone. 

The chances of having sex headaches greatly increases if one has experienced migraines in their past.