Some women are dealing with a debilitating after-effect of sex: the post-sex headache. One Reddit user on r/WomensHealth described it as the 'worst headache' of their life, 'felt like pounding all over my head for 30 minutes,' while another called the pain 'explosive' and 'excruciating.'
The headaches can occur during or after orgasm, and for some, they can persist for hours. Sarah Mulindwa, a sexual health expert, told Metro: 'For some people these headaches feel like a dull ache or pressure around the head and neck that gradually becomes stronger as they approach orgasm. For others, the pain can come on very suddenly at orgasm. The headache may disappear relatively quickly, although in some cases symptoms can persist for several hours.'
Why Sex Can Trigger Headaches
During sex, the body experiences increased heart rate and blood pressure. Blood vessels respond to this cardiovascular activity, and muscles around the head, neck, and shoulders become tense. 'That combination of increased physical exertion and muscle tension is thought to contribute to headaches,' Sarah says.
It's not necessarily the orgasm itself causing the headache. Sarah adds: 'Sex is a form of physical exertion, and for someone who is susceptible to exertion-related headaches, the physiological build-up towards orgasm may act as a trigger.'
Like many headaches, causes and triggers vary. 'Some may be more sensitive to changes associated with physical exercise (sex included), or may already have a tendency towards headaches or migraines,' says Sarah, who works with Lovehoney. Tiredness, stress, dehydration, alcohol consumption, or tension around the neck and shoulders can also make someone more prone.
Hormones and Sex Positions
Clinical sexologist and psychotherapist Ness Cooper told Metro that hormones can also contribute. During sex, a mixture of hormones floods the body. She explains: 'Some people have sensitivities to spikes and dips (basically the rollercoaster of them occurring), such as sensitivities to prolactin and oestrogen. For some, it's not an off-balance, but a sensitivity to these hormones which can be activated during orgasm, which can cause changes to the vascular system and then lead to headaches.'
The balance of serotonin can also become slightly off-kilter during and post-sex, increasing the chance of developing a sore head.
Sex positions can also play a role. Ness says: 'Muscle weakness or certain positions can lead to muscle tension, and that can cause tension headaches. Some women find going on top is less stable for them, while others may find doggy can move the body too much and cause tension. Any position which sees someone bear down on their pelvic floor may be related too.'
Sarah adds that positions where the head is held angling downwards for long periods can contribute, so adjusting support by switching the angle or adding pillows can help.
When to See a Doctor
Sarah emphasises the importance of speaking to a medical professional if you're repeatedly experiencing sex-induced headaches. She urges: 'Although many sex-related headaches are benign, a sudden, extremely severe headache during or immediately after orgasm should never automatically be assumed to be an orgasm headache. If it's the first time you've experienced an explosive headache, or particularly if the pain reaches maximum intensity within seconds or around a minute — you should seek urgent medical assessment. The same applies if it's accompanied by vomiting, confusion, fainting, weakness, problems with speech or vision, or a stiff neck.'
'While we shouldn't frighten people who occasionally experience a mild headache after sex, a new, sudden and exceptionally severe headache is something that needs to be taken seriously.'
