Headaches during orgasm are usually not medically significant, but can be caused by serious conditions such as a brain aneurysm. Common causes include muscle stiffness, increased heart rate or blood pressure, and medication use. Men are more prone to these headaches, and sinus infections or birth control pills can contribute. Benign coital headaches can be treated with medication or relaxation techniques, but sudden, debilitating headaches should be treated as a medical emergency.
Although relatively rare, some people may occasionally experience a headache during orgasm. In most cases, these headaches are not medically significant, although they can be caused by serious medical conditions such as a brain aneurysm in rare situations. Some of the more common causes of headaches during orgasm include stiff muscles, increased heart rate or blood pressure, or even the use of certain medications. Any questions or concerns about headache development during climax, especially if there are pre-existing health problems, should be discussed with a doctor or other medical professional.
The most common causes of headaches during orgasm are thought to be dilation of blood vessels or muscle contractions in the neck during sexual activity. Men appear to be more prone to developing headaches during orgasm than women, although the reason for this is not clearly understood. Many people will experience at least one headache during orgasm at some point, although a select few may have to deal with this painful symptom on a regular basis. Sinus infections or the use of certain medications, especially birth control pills, can contribute to some headaches that develop during sex.
The presence of a headache during orgasm that is not associated with any underlying medical condition is referred to as a benign coital headache. The pain associated with this type of headache usually comes on quickly and is often described as the worst headache the sufferer has ever experienced. If these headaches persist, a doctor may recommend avoiding sexual intercourse for a couple of weeks after making sure there are no serious medical conditions.
In some cases, the headache may continue, even after temporarily abstaining from sex. When this occurs, prescription medications may be helpful in preventing the headache from recurring. Relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation or deep breathing can also be helpful in preventing headaches associated with sexual activity.
An orgasmic headache that occurs suddenly and is debilitating should be treated as a medical emergency. Because of changes in heart rate and blood pressure during sex, those with certain health risks may experience a brain hemorrhage from a ruptured aneurysm or stroke. A series of diagnostic tests will likely be performed in an attempt to rule out such serious complications. Once the bleeding in the brain has been diagnosed or if no bleeding is found, the doctor and patient can discuss treatment options that are appropriate for the individual situation.
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