What Is a Coital Headache?
Coital headache, also called sex headache, is a type of headache that appears with sexual activity. Coital headaches can be present for about a few minutes, or in some individuals, they can last up to hours or even days. It can be a one-time attack or cumulatively over a few months. In most cases, sex headaches are not severe conditions requiring medical conditions. In some patients, it can be a sign of a blood vessel problem involving the arteries or veins that supply the brain.
What Are the Types of Coital Headaches?
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Sexual Benign Headache: During sexual intercourse, a dull and radiating headache may develop, which increases with an increase in the amount of sexual excitement.
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Orgasm Headache: In some cases, a sudden and throbbing headache may develop during or before an orgasm.
What Is the Cause of Sex Headaches?
The types determine the cause of sex headaches. A benign sexual headache occurs due to the contraction of muscles in the head and neck region brought about by sexual excitement. On the contrary, orgasm headaches are caused by the dilation of blood vessels as a result of a rise in blood pressure. In addition, a few headaches can occur suddenly and are associated with the following medical conditions:
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Intracranial aneurysm is a contraction of the arterial wall inside the head.
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Stroke.
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Taking birth control pills.
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Arteriovenous malformation due to an abnormal connection between the arteries and veins in the brain.
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Arterial wall bleeding that ends up in the brain.
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Inflammation caused by certain infectious diseases.
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Coronary artery disease.
Who Is at an Increased Risk of Developing Coital Headache?
The following individuals are at an increased risk of developing coital headaches:
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Being male increases the risk of developing coital headaches, most commonly orgasm headaches.
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Also, individuals with migraine headaches have an increased risk of developing headaches after sex.
What Are the Symptoms of Coital Headache?
Sex headaches manifest in two forms:
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A dull ache in the head and neck that gets stronger with sexual excitement.
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A sudden, intense, throbbing headache that happens just before or during orgasm.
Some people may have both types of headaches. Most sex headaches last for several minutes, but some can persist for hours or even two to three days.
People who get sex headaches often experience them in groups over a few months, followed by a year or more without any. About half of those with headaches after sex have them for around six months. Some individuals may only have one episode in their lifetime.
How Is Coital Headache Diagnosed?
In most cases, sex headaches are not a problem of concern and do not require treatment. However, assessing the symptoms with a healthcare provider is essential to rule out any underlying serious medical condition. Neurological problems associated with sex headaches can be diagnosed with the help of the below tests:
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Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Head: Radio waves and magnetic fields create cross-sectional images of the structures. The structures inside the brain can be visualized for any defect with the help of magnetic resonance imaging.
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Magnetic Resonance Angiography: Any abnormality in the blood vessels involving the head and neck can be determined by magnetic resonance angiography (MRA).
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Computed Tomography Scan: The computed tomography (CT) scan also helps visualize the brain and its associated structures.
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Spinal Tap: Also called lumbar puncture, it helps identify the presence of bleeding or infection. This diagnostic procedure is suggested in persons with an abrupt headache but with no notable defect in brain imaging tests. A small quantity of spinal fluid is collected and checked.
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Cerebral Angiogram: Arteries of the neck and brain are examined by a cerebral angiogram, in which a thin and flexible tube is inserted into a blood vessel. A contrasting material is injected into the blood vessels, and images are taken.
What Is the Treatment for Coital Headache?
Coital headache is usually treated depending on the cause. Usually, over-the-counter painkillers help in relieving the pain associated with it. In cases where there is a need for medication to prevent the incidence of sex headaches, then consultation with a healthcare provider is needed. The following are the preventive medicines that are usually prescribed for headaches after sex or associated with sex:
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Daily Medications: Taking beta-blockers like Propranolol or Metoprolol can help in conditions where sex headaches are due to high blood pressure, migraines, and coronary artery disease. However, these should be taken only with the doctor's recommendation and when there is a history of frequent and more extended headaches.
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Occasional Medications: An anti-inflammatory drug like Indomethacin can be a preventive aid against coital headaches.
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When an underlying condition is the cause of the sex headache, then treating the disease is essential. The treatment modalities can be either a surgical procedure, radiation therapy, or a procedure to drain the fluids.
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Medications responsible for causing coital headaches should refrain after consultation with the treating doctor.
How to Prevent Sex Headaches?
Headaches after sex or sex headaches can be prevented by the following:
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Taking medications to prevent the incidence of sex headaches.
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In case of an orgasm headache, stopping sexual activity before reaching orgasm is helpful.
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Taking a passive role in sexual activities can also help prevent headaches after sex.
When to Contact a Doctor for a Sex Headache?
Sex headaches can sometimes have a severe underlying condition that can be appropriately diagnosed only with prompt medical intervention. Therefore, when to reach out to a doctor for a coital headache is extremely important. It is advisable to contact a healthcare provider when one experiences any of the following symptoms:
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Vomiting.
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Loss of sensation.
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Stiffness in the neck.
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Extremely severe pain that lasts more than a day and interrupts daily activities.
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Paralysis, either partial or complete.
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Seizures.
Conclusion:
Although most times, sex headaches or headaches after sex do not require treatment, these should not be ignored entirely. If someone experiences a coital headache that either starts abruptly or lasts longer, then it is recommended that they contact a health care provider. Do not take medications without the advice of the healthcare provider. If taken correctly with the doctor's prescription, medications can help prevent the incidence of coital headaches.
