Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsCausesRisk FactorsWhen to See a Healthcare ProviderDiagnosisTreatment
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Symptoms
Causes
Risk Factors
When to See a Healthcare Provider
Diagnosis
Treatment
Sexual activity and orgasm can sometimes cause a “sex headache” or “orgasm headache.” Fortunately, these headaches are rare, affecting just 1% to 1.6% of people.Sex headaches happen moments before or at the peak of sexual excitement, theorgasm. They can happen during solo sex and sex with a partner, and may not occur every time.
Sex-related headaches are more likely in people who also experiencemigrainesand tend to affect more men than women.
This article will clear up some of the confusion about what causes an orgasm headache and how to get relief.
PhotoAlto / Frederic Cirou / Getty Images
What Does an Orgasm Headache Feel Like?
Sex headaches can occur right before or immediately afterorgasm. The pain varies from mild to severe, according to the American Migraine Foundation.
Pain associated with sex headaches commonly occurs on both sides and/or at the back of the head. Headaches can last from less than a minute to 24 hours with severe pain, and up to 72 hours with mild pain.
Sex headaches may feel similar tomigraines(as well as being more common in migraine sufferers).
Sex Headaches in MenMen are about four times more likely than women to experience sex headaches.
Sex Headaches in Men
Men are about four times more likely than women to experience sex headaches.
What Causes Orgasm Headaches?
Sexual activity, especially with orgasm, can bring on a headache in some people. When no underlying condition is suspected, the American Headache Society identifies two causes:
Risk Factors for Orgasm Headaches
Sex headaches can occur at any sexually active age but are more common in males than females.
Much like other genetic conditions, some studies suggest that sex headaches can run in families. One study described four sisters, and another a mother and daughter, all experiencing sex-related headaches.
Lifestyle and health may also play a part. People who are overweight or have high blood pressure are at a slightly higher risk of sex headaches.
Are You Having Headaches Over and Over Again in a Day?
Anyone experiencing new or never-evaluated headaches with sexual activity should consult a healthcare provider.
In some cases, a headache associated with sexual activity or orgasm can be a sign of a more serious condition, such as abrain hemorrhage(bleeding around or inside the brain), stroke, or tumor. Accompanying neck stiffness could indicate bleeding into the spinal fluid.
Thunderclap Headaches and Sex
Because orgasm headaches can be intensely painful, it’s difficult to know when there is cause for concern. If you experience a severe, sudden headache, especially if it’s worse than you’ve ever had before, seek immediate medical help.
Diagnosing an Orgasm Headaches
If you’re experiencing sex headaches, your healthcare provider may order blood tests and aCT scanor aMRIto make sure there are no other underlying causes for your symptoms.
Soothing Your Headache or Migraine With Lavender or Peppermint Oil
Treating Orgasm Headaches
Treatment may depend on the type of headache that you have.
Ironically,sexual activitymay also relieve the searing pain you’re feeling after the last orgasm.
How Can I Prevent a Sex Headache?If no underlying cause or condition exists, you can try taking beta blockers daily or preemptively medicating with OTC pain relievers or indomethacin an hour before sexual activity.If you also get migraines, avoid common triggers such as alcohol, caffeine, an irregular sleep schedule, and artificial sweeteners.Speak with your healthcare provider about whether your migraine medication, taken before sex, may help prevent orgasm headaches.
How Can I Prevent a Sex Headache?
If no underlying cause or condition exists, you can try taking beta blockers daily or preemptively medicating with OTC pain relievers or indomethacin an hour before sexual activity.If you also get migraines, avoid common triggers such as alcohol, caffeine, an irregular sleep schedule, and artificial sweeteners.Speak with your healthcare provider about whether your migraine medication, taken before sex, may help prevent orgasm headaches.
If no underlying cause or condition exists, you can try taking beta blockers daily or preemptively medicating with OTC pain relievers or indomethacin an hour before sexual activity.
If you also get migraines, avoid common triggers such as alcohol, caffeine, an irregular sleep schedule, and artificial sweeteners.Speak with your healthcare provider about whether your migraine medication, taken before sex, may help prevent orgasm headaches.
Is Excedrin Good for Treating Headaches?
Summary
Men, those susceptible to migraines, and those with a family history tend to be more prone to experience sex-related headaches. Medications can be taken daily or before sexual activity to offset a sex headache.
8 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Scislicki P, Sztuba K, Klimkowicz-Mrowiec A, et al.Headache associated with sexual activity—a narrative review of literature.Medicina. 2021;57(8):735. doi:10.3390/medicina57080735American Migraine Foundation.Primary headache associated with sexual activity (orgasmic and pre-orgasmic headache).Lin PT, Chen SP, Wang SJ.Update on primary headache associated with sexual activity and primary thunderclap headache.Cephalalgia. 2023;43(3):3331024221148657. doi:10.1177/03331024221148657American Headache Society.Headaches associated with exertion and sexual activity.Sharma A, Prasad K, Padma MV, et al.Prevalence of triggering factors in acute stroke: hospital-based observational cross-sectional study.J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis. 2015;24(2):337-47. doi:10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2014.08.033American Migraine Foundation.Thunderclap headaches.Bahra A.Other primary headaches-thunderclap-, cough-, exertional-, and sexual headache.J Neurol. 2020;267(5):1554-1566. doi:10.1007/s00415-020-09728-0American Migraine Foundation.Top 10 migraine triggers and how to deal with them.
8 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Scislicki P, Sztuba K, Klimkowicz-Mrowiec A, et al.Headache associated with sexual activity—a narrative review of literature.Medicina. 2021;57(8):735. doi:10.3390/medicina57080735American Migraine Foundation.Primary headache associated with sexual activity (orgasmic and pre-orgasmic headache).Lin PT, Chen SP, Wang SJ.Update on primary headache associated with sexual activity and primary thunderclap headache.Cephalalgia. 2023;43(3):3331024221148657. doi:10.1177/03331024221148657American Headache Society.Headaches associated with exertion and sexual activity.Sharma A, Prasad K, Padma MV, et al.Prevalence of triggering factors in acute stroke: hospital-based observational cross-sectional study.J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis. 2015;24(2):337-47. doi:10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2014.08.033American Migraine Foundation.Thunderclap headaches.Bahra A.Other primary headaches-thunderclap-, cough-, exertional-, and sexual headache.J Neurol. 2020;267(5):1554-1566. doi:10.1007/s00415-020-09728-0American Migraine Foundation.Top 10 migraine triggers and how to deal with them.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Scislicki P, Sztuba K, Klimkowicz-Mrowiec A, et al.Headache associated with sexual activity—a narrative review of literature.Medicina. 2021;57(8):735. doi:10.3390/medicina57080735American Migraine Foundation.Primary headache associated with sexual activity (orgasmic and pre-orgasmic headache).Lin PT, Chen SP, Wang SJ.Update on primary headache associated with sexual activity and primary thunderclap headache.Cephalalgia. 2023;43(3):3331024221148657. doi:10.1177/03331024221148657American Headache Society.Headaches associated with exertion and sexual activity.Sharma A, Prasad K, Padma MV, et al.Prevalence of triggering factors in acute stroke: hospital-based observational cross-sectional study.J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis. 2015;24(2):337-47. doi:10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2014.08.033American Migraine Foundation.Thunderclap headaches.Bahra A.Other primary headaches-thunderclap-, cough-, exertional-, and sexual headache.J Neurol. 2020;267(5):1554-1566. doi:10.1007/s00415-020-09728-0American Migraine Foundation.Top 10 migraine triggers and how to deal with them.
Scislicki P, Sztuba K, Klimkowicz-Mrowiec A, et al.Headache associated with sexual activity—a narrative review of literature.Medicina. 2021;57(8):735. doi:10.3390/medicina57080735
American Migraine Foundation.Primary headache associated with sexual activity (orgasmic and pre-orgasmic headache).
Lin PT, Chen SP, Wang SJ.Update on primary headache associated with sexual activity and primary thunderclap headache.Cephalalgia. 2023;43(3):3331024221148657. doi:10.1177/03331024221148657
American Headache Society.Headaches associated with exertion and sexual activity.
Sharma A, Prasad K, Padma MV, et al.Prevalence of triggering factors in acute stroke: hospital-based observational cross-sectional study.J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis. 2015;24(2):337-47. doi:10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2014.08.033
American Migraine Foundation.Thunderclap headaches.
Bahra A.Other primary headaches-thunderclap-, cough-, exertional-, and sexual headache.J Neurol. 2020;267(5):1554-1566. doi:10.1007/s00415-020-09728-0
American Migraine Foundation.Top 10 migraine triggers and how to deal with them.
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