Caitlain's Corner

Orgasm headache, medically known as orgasmic cephalalgia, is the onset of an intense, throbbing, bilateral (both sides of the head, front or back) headache prior to or just as an orgasm is occurring. Though they can be intense, they are benign and pose little threat to you other than severe discomfort and perhaps a psychological interference with sexual confidence. It is not uncommon for someone who experiences these for the first time to rush to the emergency room believing that something major is happening in their head. In most individuals, however, they occur sporadically and don’t always interfere with the sexual experience. No one knows for sure how many people are affected by this condition since the vast majority of people do not report it or seek treatment for it, especially if it occurs only infrequently. This condition is far more common in men than in women, and seems to strike most commonly in the 20-24 and 35-44 age ranges.

What causes the headaches?

No one really knows for sure. It is believed by some to be stress related – the stress may be physical (from a position you are in, for example) or it may be a psychological stress brought on by job, family situation, etc. Most headache studies have done little direct examination of this condition specifically, and in those instances where medical intervention was sought, there is typically no physical manifestation seen at the time of the exam if there was no underlying medical condition.

Some practitioners will characterize it as an exertion-related problem and will recommend that you try to slow down the rate of sexual activity as orgasm nears in an attempt to prevent the headaches from becoming as severe as they might otherwise. This may work if the attacks only occur during physical sexual activity, but many males experience these headaches during masturbation, while they are not being very physically active at all. So, clearly, this is not always an exertion issue.

Other researchers suspect that the increase in sexual arousal, which raises a person’s blood pressure and increases their heart rate, releases certain chemicals into the brain that might play a role. They further surmise that these chemicals then become a headache trigger. Interestingly, one of the more common side effects from medications used for erectile dysfunction (i.e., Viagra), is headache. Some now theorize that the chemical processes that cause this side effect (known as vasodilation, or a widening of the blood vessels) may be responsible for orgasm headaches as well.

How can I treat them?

There is no known wholly effective solution. Some people will have success with taking an anti-inflammatory medication, such as Aleve or other NSAID, an hour or so prior to engaging in sexual activity. If you also suffer from migraine headaches and are on a medication for that, some have experienced success with those medications as well. Typically, left untreated, the pain will go away within a short period following onset anyway, and will not require any specific medical intervention. If they become frequent or terribly bothersome to you, your doctor might be able to prescribe other medications used to treat headaches that might of some value (specifically Imitrex, Zomig, or Propanolol). There are no known medications that can be used specifically to treat this condition. Some specialists even suggest taking classes in relaxation techniques that might help to alleviate those headaches caused by stress.

If you do experience significant pain that doesn’t go away within a short time after sex, then you should seek medical counsel from your physician. Additionally if you experience additional symptoms such as fainting, vomiting or irregular breathing or body movements you should seek immediate medical attention as this may be indicative of a stroke or other emergent medical situation (hypertension, aneurysm, etc.). If you experience these sharp pains for the first time, it is a good idea to consult a doctor and rule out high blood pressure as a cause, especially if there is a history of it in your family.

For some specialized, technical information about these kinds of headaches, you can review this article. (PDF).

Source/Resources:

WebMD
Mayo Clinic
National Headache Foundation
MedScape
 

Readers have left 5 comments.

 1. Untitled
Guest User, Unregistered

I suffered from this exact thing once or twice a few years ago. I don't know what caused it or what cured it, but it sure was painful.

 Posted 2007-12-22 13:14:23

 2. Untitled
Guest User, Unregistered

I have expierenced this from time to time not real often though.I can feel it (a sharp Piercing pain)coming on(Pardon the Pun) sometimes not just during Orgasm but extreme arousal.The Pain will start at the Lower Part of my spine then quickly travel up my spine to my head (Dull Throbbing)where it is the worst.It has been so bad a few times it makes me cry out in Pain grabbing my head.The pain is often excruciating usually only lasting a couple of Minutes.

 Posted 2008-03-25 21:38:44

 3. Untitled
Guest User, Unregistered

My good friend had symptoms like this... the pain was so bad that she began screaming "my head, my head". She next remembers waking up in aneurysmthe hospital... diagnosed with an aneurysm. If I had an unexplained major pain... I'd go get it checked out. I suggest others do the same.

 Posted 2008-09-16 15:20:01

 4. Untitled
Guest User, Unregistered

This is a very interesting thing. I just starting having these headaches about 2 weeks ago. I have to admit my sex life with my husbands has been a "renewing" experience! I have never had this happen before in my 28 years of marriage. Of course, I will talk me my obgyn on this. Just to get the correct diagnosis, Lord knows, I hop it is nothing too serious!

 Posted 2008-09-25 13:23:24

 5. Untitled
Guest User, Unregistered

I've had this same feeling come over me the last week or so, not while having sex, just durring masturbation. I'm gonna hope I'm fine and just cut out the masturbation and see what happens in a few weeks.

 Posted 2008-10-16 00:17:10

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