Orgasm induced migraine/headaches

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-13-2005
Orgasm induced migraine/headaches
1
Sat, 08-13-2005 - 4:05pm

OK here is my problem. My girlfriend recently 2-3 months ago, started having intense orgasms to the point of getting a headache from them. Last night she got a migraine from the orgasm. Well, she stated that she was feeling bad and tired and didnt eat, and the orgasm pushed her over the edge. But still, It is worrying me to death. Is sex going to give her a stroke? Do this mean she has an aneurysm that is going to pop? Is this normal to get a headache after an orgasm? Is this unpleasant? Is it something for me (and her) to worry about?? Should she see a doctor? Should we stop having sex? (Only kidding on the last question).

HELP(not kidding here).

Thanks

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Mon, 08-15-2005 - 12:53am

Hi tonyinnnj, welcome!

>> My girlfriend recently 2-3 months ago, started having intense orgasms to the point of getting a headache from them. Last night she got a migraine from the orgasm. Well, she stated that she was feeling bad and tired and didnt eat, and the orgasm pushed her over the edge. It is worrying me to death. Is sex going to give her a stroke? Do this mean she has an aneurysm that is going to pop? <<

According to the National Headache Foundation, for some people, sex with orgasm can cause two kinds of headaches:

Coital cephalalgia
This exertional headache occurs during sex. It develops when the blood vessels of the brain dilate and the muscles of the head and neck contract as a result of building excitement in preparation for orgasm. This headache is usually benign and rarely associated with a serious health problem. Taking a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug could help relieve the pain of an exertional headache. However, see a health care provider if you also experience any of the following symptoms along with this type of headache, or if this head pain occurs more often than once in a while, because it could indicate a serious problem that needs to be looked at right away:
- Very stiff neck
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Unconsciousness

Orgasmic cephalalgia or orgasmic headache
A type of vascular headache that occurs right before orgasm, regardless of how vigorous sex is or not, this intense, severe headache can sometimes be caused by elevated blood pressure. It usually affects more men than women, and people who have migra ines are particularly prone to developing one. Typically felt around or behind the eyes, the pain often persists for a few minutes, but can continue up to several hours. Staying still while having this kind of headache could help limit the pain. If you experience any other unusual symptoms, such as a stiff neck, see a health care provider for a check-up to rule out something more serious, such as a stroke, brain tumor, or bleeding in or around the brain. If your health care provider determines that your headache is just a headache, then taking a migraine medication that constricts blood vessels could be helpful before you have sex.

For more information, contact the National Headache Foundation, http://www.headaches.org/ which offers written information, physician names for treatment through the mail, educational materials, and membership (for a small fee), at:
820 N. Orleans, Suite 217
Chicago, IL 60610
Headache Hotline: (800) 843-2256

>>Is this normal to get a headache after an orgasm? Is this unpleasant? Is it something for me (and her) to worry about?? Should she see a doctor? <<

It does happen but I don't think is common or normal and in some cases it can be a sign of a serious medical problem. It can be very unpleasant and she should see her doctor as soon as possible to get a diagnosis.

I hope your girlfriend will be ok. Please come back and let us know what her doctor says and how she is doing, ok? Thanks for posting,

Good luck and hugs to you both,

      Jill