Coital Headache
All About the Coital Headache
A coital headache, or sex headache, is caused by a number of factors that really aren’t out of the ordinary. Sometimes a coital headache can indicate a more serious problem, but usually it isn’t cause for concern. Sex raises the blood pressure and causes muscle tension. These two things combined are enough to cause a headache in some people. Coital headaches fall into the category of headaches caused by exercise, also known as exertional headaches.
A coital headache can last anywhere from a few minutes to a whole day, depending on which part of the sex act it starts during. An earl coital headache is usually pretty mild and may only last a few minutes. A headache that begins during orgasm is usually much more sudden and a lot more painful. Orgasmic headaches can even turn into post-coital headaches, which can last for an entire day.
A coital headache is usually felt at the bottom of the skull, and the pain usually moves through the head. Sometimes a coital headache can also be characterized by very sharp pain behind the eyes. The pain can be mild or severe and can gradually worsen during sex. Most people do not have a coital headache every time they have sex. Those who do should see a doctor because it can indicate a much more serious problem like meningitis, tumor, stroke, or aneurysm.
A coital headache that’s determined to be just a sex headache and not caused by any other health issues is called a benign coital headache, and it can be treated in a number of ways. If it happens after or during sex every time, then simply abstaining for a few weeks can take care of it. If the coital headache keeps returning, then anti-inflammatory medications may be used to stop the pain. In some cases, doctors may also prescribe beta blockers or calcium channel blockers. Doctors may also prescribe a medication to lower your blood pressure. These medications can be taken shortly before sexual activity to avoid a coital headache, although sometimes they may need to be taken daily if the sex headaches are ongoing and very severe.
Sometimes coital headaches can also be relieved through a decrease in stress in everyday life. Another possibility to avoid coital headaches is simply switching position during sex. If you notice a headache only during certain positions, try a different one and see if that prevents the sex headache.
Men are more likely than women to have a coital headache, at a ratio of four to one. Researchers are unsure why this is the case. However, some believe it may be because men have more orgasms than women or are more active during the sex act. They also believe men may have more sex headaches because they tend to masturbate more than women. Women who do get coital headaches tend to be over the age of 40, just starting a new exercise program, or already be prone to other types of headaches.