Causes Of Headache
Be Careful While You Practice All The Numbers Of Sex-Certain Postures Trigger Migraine
Sexually triggered headaches have been reported by
people engaging in all kinds of sex acts, from masturbation to
intercourse, with or without orgasm. Some headaches even seem to have
been caused more by the position people got themselves into than the
actual sex act in which they were engaging. Although they do occur,
sexually triggered headaches appear to be rather rare, affecting roughly
one out of every 350 headaches or so. Even so, the problem is widespread
and has a major lifestyle effect on those who get them.
When sexual activity causes migraine attacks its called coital
cephalgia, exertional headache, or effort Migraine. As the names
suggest, these headaches may be merely exertional headaches brought
about by sex or any other strenuous activities. They may or may not be
linked to orgasm or sexual arousal. Coital headaches are far more common
among males than females and often last a day or more. Headaches or
Migraine attacks induced by sexual activity may strike prior to, at the
time of, or following orgasm.
Headaches instigated by sexual
activity have been divided into three patterns. Sudden onset applies to
almost three-quarters of them, beginning either right before, during, or
immediately after orgasm. This head is normally quite severe and can
either build slowly or suddenly explode inside your head. The subacute
pattern applies to only one-quarter of instances and begins before
orgasm with intensity building until orgasm. The pain associated with
this type is a dull ache. It is occasionally accompanied by nausea and
vomiting. The least common pattern is the postdural headache in which
the pain is located the lower back of the head and increases upon
standing erect. It is often accompanied by nausea and vomiting.
If
coital headaches become chronic it s advised that you take migraine
medication. Be sure to check with a physician if you experience an
explosive headache brought on by exertion. It may be more than a
headache and could lead to an aneurysm.
However, all is not bad
news when it comes to sex and migraines. Sexual activity can actually be
used as treatment for migraines. A study conducted at the Headache
Clinic of Southern Illinois University found that some women actually
were able to relieve their migraine headache pain through achieving
orgasm. While the level of the relief varied, those who obtained
complete relief represented the highest percentage. In comparison to
medications, orgasm as a method of relieving migraine is less effective,
but provides relief much quicker when it does so. This particular study
did not involve men, but there exists plenty of other evidence
suggesting that sex may work to relieve migraines in males as well.
Other
studies have found that sexual activity and orgasm triggers an endorphin
rush in the brain. This chemical reaction works as sort of a natural
analgesic to block pain. In regard to how sex works in conjunction with
migraines, serotonin is released during orgasm, causing a constriction
of the dilated blood vessels in the brain that were causing the
migraine. The increased endorphin usually last anywhere from one to
three hours.
Ultimately, then, the question of whether sex is
good or bad for headaches is left unanswered. For some people sexual
activity must be considered a trigger, while for others a method of
treatment. Once again when it comes to migraines, there is no concrete
answer and it seems as though more questions are raised than answered.
The key is to explore both sides of the issue and not be inhibited by
embarrassment. If sex does seem to cause your headaches, be honest with
your partner and your doctor. On the other hand, don’t be afraid to try
out sex as pathway toward relief. Even if it doesn’t work, it’s worth
the old college try.