When being intimate with your significant other, the last thing you want to experience is an intense headache. Coital cephalgia (sexual headaches), are more likely to occur in men, but may be experienced by women taking birth control or those prone to migraines, and could possibly indicate any of a number of conditions related to the head and neck (most seriously, a problem with the blood vessels feeding the brain).
Sex has been shown, in some cases, to relieve preexisting headaches and migraines. However, a sexual headache can be triggered by sexual activity, occurring just before or during orgasm. Symptoms include a throbbing or stabbing sensation at the nape of the neck, or a dull headache on both sides of the head. It may cause tightening of the neck and jaw muscles, and can build gradually over a matter of minutes intensifying as sexual excitement increases.
According to the Mayo Clinic website, most sexual headaches are not cause for concern. However, if you have never experienced one and suddenly do, it would be a good idea to contact your doctor to rule out a brain tumor or blood clot.
Here are some things to consider related to sexual headaches:
This information is not meant to be a replacement for talking with your doctor. If you experience sexual headaches or migraines, you may want to schedule an appointment with your doctor to get more information specifically related to your own case.
Resources:
www.mayoclinic.com Sex Headaches
www.hjo.org Coital Headaches
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Christine Jeffries is a writer/editor for work and at heart, and lives in a home of testosterone with her husband and two sons. Christine is interested in women’s health and promoting strong women.