Post-coital headache is a sudden, severe, explosive headache occurring at orgasm. Understandably, this can be quite alarming the first time it occurs. Although it is probably not a sign of something serious, it is best to see your doctor to make certain.
Full Answer
What is a coital headache?
Coital headache also called sex headache, is a type of headache that appears with sexual activity. Coital headaches can be present for about a few minutes, or in some individuals, they can last up to hours or even days. It can be either a one-time attack or can happen cumulatively over a period of a few months.
Who is at an increased risk of developing coital headaches?
The following individuals are at an increased risk of developing coital headaches: Being male increases the risk of developing coital headaches, most commonly orgasm headaches. Also, individuals with migraine headaches have an increased risk of developing coital headaches. How Is Coital Headache Diagnosed?
What is coital cephalgia and how does it affect relationships?
Coital cephalgia, a type of sexual headache, can wreak havoc on relationships. To medical experts, it's known as coital cephalgia, an intense, searing headache that's brought on by sexual activity. But many people know it as an extreme case of, "not tonight dear, I have a headache.".
Should I be worried about sex headaches?
Sex headaches aren't usually a cause for concern. But consult your doctor right away if you experience a headache during sexual activity — especially if it begins abruptly or it's your first headache of this type. Any type of sexual activity that leads to orgasm can trigger sex headaches.
Is post coital headache dangerous?
An orgasm headache is intense and it starts suddenly, just before or during an orgasm. These headaches are usually harmless, and a person can often treat them with over-the-counter pain medications. However, headaches during sex can sometimes signal a more serious condition.
How do you stop a coital headache?
Sometimes sex headaches can be prevented by stopping sexual activity before orgasm. Taking a more passive role during sex also may help.
What causes post coital headache?
Postcoital thunderclap headache This may be caused by the increase in blood pressure that occurs during an orgasm, making the blood vessels dilate. Increased arousal can also cause the muscles in your head and neck to contract, which could trigger a headache.
How common is coital Cephalalgia?
HSA are usually primary and benign. The incidence of these has been reported to be between 0.25% and 1% in the general population. Prevalence may be higher than reported since patients may be too embarrassed to complain.
How long do post coital headaches last?
Headaches may occur during sexual activity related to intercourse or independent of intercourse (e.g., masturbation) or orgasm [14]. The duration of the headache varies from person to person. It can last as long as a few minutes, or as long as 2–24 h in more severe cases.
What percentage of headaches are Cervicogenic?
A cervicogenic headache is a rare chronic headache most common in people who are 30 to 44 years old. Its prevalence among patients with headaches is 0.4 to 4%, depending on how many criteria are fulfilled and based on many studies.
How common are thunderclap headaches?
Thunderclap headaches strike without any warning. Sometimes there's no underlying medical cause to them, but other times they're a sign of very serious underlying conditions that involve bleeding in and around your brain. This type of headache is rare. They occur in less than 50 out of 100,000 adults each year.
Are thunderclap headaches rare?
Thunderclap headaches are uncommon, but they can warn of potentially life-threatening conditions — usually having to do with bleeding in and around the brain. Seek emergency medical attention for a thunderclap headache.
What is coital Cephalalgia?
Benign coital cephalalgia is an acute headache that is time related to sexual intercourse. It is often confused with more serious conditions such as subarachnoid hemorrhage due to ruptured intracranial aneurysm.
How many times more likely is a man to have coital cephalgia?
Men are three to four times more likely to be diagnosed with coital cephalgia, and the headaches are more likely to be experienced by those who also suffer from migraines, according to the British Journal of Medical Practitioners.
Where does coital cephalgia pain start?
An attack of coital cephalgia isn't like an ordinary headache: It's often a sharp, piercing pain that begins at the base of the skull and moves up toward the front of the head and behind the eyes, according to the British Journal of Medical Practitioners.
What is the best treatment for coital cephalgia?
Fortunately, there are medical treatments for the condition: Indomethacin (Indocin), a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, has been used successfully to treat coital cephalgia. Other options include propranolol hydrochloride (Inderal) and naratriptan (Amerge); all these drugs work best when taken prior to sexual activity, studies have shown.
What is the name of the headache caused by sexual activity?
Coital cephalgia, a type of sexual headache, can wreak havoc on relationships. (Image credit: Wavebreakmedia Ltd | Dreamstime) To medical experts, it's known as coital cephalgia, an intense, searing headache that's brought on by sexual activity.
Can a brain tumor cause a headache?
An aneurysm, brain tumor, stroke, spinal disease or cerebral hemorrhage can also cause a severe headache and must be ruled out before coital cephalgia can be accurately diagnosed, according to the British Journal of Medical Practitioners.
Angiograms
Your doctor may also order a cerebral angiogram, a test that can show the neck and brain arteries.
Spinal tap
Sometimes a spinal tap (lumbar puncture) is needed as well — especially if the headache started abruptly and very recently and brain imaging is normal.
Preventive medications
If you have a history of sex headaches and there's no underlying cause, your doctor may recommend that you take preventive medications regularly. These may include:
What you can do
Be aware of any pre-appointment restrictions. When you make the appointment, ask if there's anything you need to do in advance, such as restricting your diet.
