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Find relief from orgasm headache...

If there's any such thing as bad timing, orgasm headache is IT. Orgasm headache, also known as orgasmic cephalalgia, orgasmic thunderclap, orgasmic migraine, coital headaches or sex headaches, can strike
anyone but tend to mostly hit men. They're usually harmless, but they can be a sign of some very serious conditions.

Types of sex headaches

These types of headaches come in different varieties. There's the dull pain that seems to come from the head and neck contractions during sexual activity. There's the headache that seems to occur during a change of posture. And then there's the intense orgasmic migraine, pain that generally hits fairly suddenly at the time of orgasm. This is the most common of the sex headaches.

The pain usually doesn't last very long, though it may last for several hours. Researchers believe that the headache may be triggered by the exertion of sexual activity. See this article on headaches.org about exertion headaches.

Am I in danger?

The same advice goes for orgasm headache as for any headache. If it's getting worse, suddenly different, repeating, or new to you, then see a doctor. Headaches are usually not doing you any serious damage, but occasionally they can be a sign of something serious or even life threatening.

On top of the above issues, look for the following symptoms: stiff neck, vomiting, irregular breathing, or lack of coordination.

As soon as possible, see your doctor. Be sure to tell her clearly what symptoms you're dealing with, and under what circumstances. Doctors need as much information as possible to catch problems that may quickly become much worse.

Although rare, a sex headache could be a sign of bleeding in the brain, stroke, tumour, or aneurysm. Dr Brian D Loftus tells us that it could be a warning sign of something worse to come, so catching it early is very important.

What can I do about it?

First, don't give up. Many of these headaches simply go away in time. And even if they don't, there are various ways to deal with them.

Talk to your doctor and discuss your family history. Often, you'll find that a history of migraine may give you a clue about the cause.

Randolph Warren Evans, MD (Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Neurology at the University of Texas at Houston Medical School and Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Family and Community Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine) writes: Headaches may be prevented in some patients by weight loss, an exercise program, a more passive role during intercourse, variation in posture, limitation of additional sexual activity on the same day, and medications.

If you already have abortive medication, you can try taking it for an orgasm headache, or even before you get one, as long as you don't go beyond the dosage recommended by your doctor.

Common medications that may be tried for orgasm headache include naproxen (Aleve), indomethacin, propranolol, and diltiazem. You can also try other NSAIDs that are often available over the counter, such as ibuprofen.

Try taking a 2 week break. You might also try using some relaxation techniques. It's easy to let one or two orgasm headaches have a bigger grip on you than they should.


Thanks for Dr Evens for his article on this topic. If you want to know more, I recommend
Migraine for Dummies, which has extensive help for people with orgasm headache, as well as tips for dealing with headaches of all kinds.

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