Headache After Sex: Causes, Treatment, and When to Worry

Have you ever had those sudden headaches that happen after sex? Those headaches can be worrisome because they can strike suddenly, often during climax. If you’re concerned about those headaches after sex, they’re fairly common and harmless. 

Although most cases are not serious and go away on their own, they can sometimes be an indication of underlying health problems. Knowing their causes and how to prevent them can help you stay safe and reassured.

What are sex headaches?

According to the International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD-3), a primary headache associated with sexual activity refers to a headache that happens during sexual arousal or at orgasm. It is also often called a sex headache, sexual headache or orgasm headache. They can range from a mild, dull ache to sharp, intense pain lasting a few minutes or more.

The most common explanation is the sudden rise in blood pressure and heart rate during climax, which increases pressure inside the head. Some individuals may also experience pain due to excessive stretching or stress in the neck or shoulder region.

Usually, these headaches pass quickly and don’t cause any lasting problems. However, in some cases, they may indicate major health problems involving the brain’s blood vessels, which require medical attention.

Types of sex-related headaches

There are two primary types of sexual headaches, based on when they happen.

• Pre-orgasmic headache:

  • Begins as a dull pain or pressure in the head or neck during sexual arousal

  • Gradually grows stronger towards orgasm

• Orgasmic headache:

  • A sudden and severe pain that hits at the moment of climax

  • Often described as a sharp ‘exploding’ sensation at the back of the head or the base of the skull

Even though most sex headaches are not serious, you should see a doctor if they occur suddenly or feel unusually severe.

What causes headaches after sex?

There’s still ongoing research on the exact cause of sex-related headaches, but several factors are thought to contribute:

While researchers are still studying the exact cause, several factors are thought to contribute:

• Rising blood pressure and heart rate:

  • During sexual activity, your heart rate and blood pressure rise, causing the blood vessels in your brain to expand and sometimes lead to pain.

• Muscle tension:

  • When the muscles in your neck, shoulders, or scalp tighten, they might restrict blood flow and give you a sex headache.

• History of migraine:

  • Those with a medical history of migraines or tension headaches are more likely to experience sexual headaches.

• Underlying vascular issues:

  • Occasionally, severe headaches may be linked to an aneurysm (a weakened, bulging area in a blood vessel wall) or artery malformation (abnormal connection between arteries and veins).

If you experience a sudden, severe "thunderclap" headache during sex, seek emergency medical care immediately.

Risk factors for sex headaches

Any sexual activity that leads to orgasm can trigger these sexual headaches. However, certain people who fall into the following groups are more likely to be at risk:

• Those with a history of migraines or high blood pressure

• Individuals who are sleep-deprived, stressed, or anxious

• Men, as they tend to be more susceptible than women

• Adults aged 20-50 

By recognising the risk factors, you can take proactive steps to prevent them and adopt a healthier lifestyle that suits your well-being.  

When should you worry about headaches after sex?

While most sexual headaches are harmless, if the pain gets worse, shows unusual symptoms, or appears for the first time, you should receive an urgent medical check. 

See a doctor if your headaches exhibit any of these warning signs:

• Sudden, intense pain

• Vision changes

• Numbness or weakness

• Vomiting

• Loss of consciousness

These primary sex headaches can be extremely painful, sometimes the worst you’ve ever experienced. They could be signs of more serious neurological problems, like a stroke, an aneurysm, or bleeding in the brain. 

You should visit a doctor immediately if you have a sudden, painful headache during sex, especially if it's your first time. Book an appointment with Thomson Medical today for a thorough check-up and personalised care.

Treatment for headaches after sex

Depending on the severity and frequency of the headaches, your doctor may have different treatment options.

• For mild headaches:

  • Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen ibuprofen to control headache symptoms

• For recurrent sex headaches: 

  • Certain beta-blockers or anti-seizure medications to help manage conditions like high blood pressure, migraines, or tension headaches

• For severe cases:

  • May require imaging tests to rule out any vascular abnormalities

How to prevent headaches after sex?

Prevention often starts with small changes to reduce physical and emotional strain. Try these tips to lower your risk:

• Reduce stress

• Have enough sleep

• Drink plenty of water

• Address known migraine or tension-type headaches with your healthcare provider 

• Avoid excessive physical exertion during sexual intercourse

• Experiment with positions that don’t strain your neck or back

If you keep getting headaches during sexual activity, your doctor may suggest medication to help prevent them or run further tests to reduce how often they occur and ensure a safer experience.

FAQ

Are headaches after sex dangerous?

Is a thunderclap headache during orgasm an emergency?

Can sex trigger a migraine?

What should I do if I get a sudden severe headache after sex?

Should I stop having sex if I get headaches every time?

Can women get sex headaches too?

The information provided is intended for general guidance only and should not be considered medical advice. For personalised recommendations and tailored advice based on your unique situations, please consult a specialist at Thomson Medical. Request an appointment with Thomson Medical today.