Sex-induced headaches

Sex-induced headaches are fairly rare occurrence and many men go through their life without experiencing a single instance of this annoyance. However, it does occur, and for some men it occurs frequently, so having information on the subject is not a bad idea. Although the headache is not directly related to penis health, its association with sexual activity makes it worth considering as a part of man's general sexual health maintenance routine.

Meaning

Sex-induced headaches (more commonly known as sex headaches) are headaches that occur shortly before, during or after orgasm. They generally fall into three categories:

• Gradual sex headaches start slowly and may be barely noticeable. It often begins as a dull ache, typically located on both sides of the head. The pain tends to intensify as a man gets closer to ejaculating and when it does so, the neck and the jaw may become tight and tense.
• Sudden sex induced headaches are much more direct in their approach. The onset is quite abrupt which usually hits a man at the time when he ejaculate, this headache tends to be characterized by intense stabbing pain beginning with almost no warning.
• Position related sex headaches are those that occur when a person stands up after having engaged in a sexual intercourse while lying or sitting down.

The statistics available on sex headaches are sketchy, but approximately one percent of people report experiencing sex headaches at one time or another. However, this incidence is likely to be underreported, especially when the headaches are mild in intensity or short in duration. Sexheadaches can occur by any form of sexual activity, including masturbation.

Risk

In most cases, sex headaches are mild and not dangerous. Sex headaches are result of the body reacting to its environment during a specific sexual moment. In some cases a sex headache may be a symptom of another issue that is more serious, such as stroke, coronary artery disease or infection. If a man has any concern, he should consult a doctor to determine if an underlying condition may be present.

Treatment

If a man experiences frequent sex headaches, there are steps he can take to prevent them. The good news is that cutting down on sex is not one of these steps. The better news is that increasing the amount of sex is one of them and a man needs to make some changes accordingly. The idea is to bump up the frequency a little but turn down the intensity of sex headache. It's believed that strenuous sex contributes to sex-induced headaches, so partners should devise ways by which the headache-prone male has to make fewer efforts while having sex. In some instances, a doctor may prescribe medication that can help to decrease sex headaches. Men are more likely to experience sex-induced headaches than women, and intense ones can have a negative impact on a man's sex life. Knowing the signs can help a man taking preventive steps. 

When is the right time to consult a sexologist?

It’s ironic that a country like India which has a deep-rooted history of sex is amongst those where sex is talked about in an inhibited manner. Because it’s considered breaking a law to mention sex-not just in the villages but big, metropolitan cities as well- there are people who suffer from this taboo, both males and females.

Is the significance of sex exaggerated?

Not really. The reticence on sex means our approach is that sex is a crime or an act meant only for pleasure but that’s only half truth. It goes beyond that and if you look at our ancient scriptures you’ll find enough evidence. Sex was looked upon as a path towards spirituality and more. In layman terms, sex is like any other body function-just as body requires, food, water, sleep, air, it needs sex too. Homo sapiens are glued to this approach and it affects our overall health and mind.

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The jaw-dropping element of this mentality is that health problems involving sex are flushed down the gutter. These issues include premature ejaculation, erectile dysfunction, discomfort during intercourse, vaginismus, low libido etc. Even though treatable to a great extent, issues related to sexual dysfunction needs to be addressed by a sexologist first, which is where people are reluctant. They either feel it’s not serious or too embarrassed to discuss.

How do we detect a problem?

Some of the problems men face includes low sex drive, inability to achieve orgasm, lack of ejaculation, recurring erection. Sexual dysfunction in women unfolds in the form of reduced desire to have sex, pain during intercourse, lack of orgasm etc.

What is the potential cause of sexual dysfunction?

Sexologists explain that in men, erectile dysfunction occurs when blood flow gets disrupted, stress, performance anxiety and nerve disorders. Diabetes, high blood pressure and certain medication are linked to loss of libido. There are other causes as well, but these are common. In females, changes in hormonal activity like after birth or post-menopause are linked to sexual dysfunction.

When and why you require professional opinion?

The answer’s simple; when your sex life is in trouble and hinders with other aspects of life. You may not get to know about the problem, so it is important to discuss with a sex therapist no matter how small the issue seems to be. It’s unfortunate that in India, sexual problems are given a low preference but it’s quintessential to understand that it can affect you in multiple ways.

Treatment

The treatment commences with normal tests and examinations. In males, treatment may involve medications such as Viagra, hormonal assistance, penile implant and psychological therapy. For women, treatment may involve hormonal replacement therapy, topical oestrogen and surgery.

Not all treatments are suited to everyone and they possess some risk. Hence, it’s better to put up the right questions before your sexologist to get a clear view. Besides regular treatment, couple therapy is known to be equally effective.

Can I contribute in making my sex life healthy?

Of course you can. The fitter you are the better sex life you enjoy. In broader terms, this means no smoking, limited alcohol consumption, taking appropriate sleep, exercising regularly and following a healthy diet.