Published on November 19th, 2020
Having an orgasm is an intense experience. However, for people who suffer from migraine headaches, the experience can also be painful.
No one knows what causes these headaches, but some people avoid sex entirely because of the pain that typically comes on suddenly and lasts for a few minutes but can last up to twenty-four hours or longer.
Learning how to prevent and treat orgasm headaches will improve your sex life. Read on to learn more.
What Is An Orgasm Headache?
Orgasm headaches come on just before or when the person orgasms and is often referred to as a “thunderclap”.
While orgasm headaches do not cause any damage, the pain is so intense, it often feels like you’ve been hit in the head with a hammer. One orgasm headache sufferer, Ahmed, said it feels like he’s rupturing a blood vessel in his brain.
You may also be sensitive to light and sound and find that the headache is worse when you move around. The headache starts out intense and eventually subsides after a few minutes and in some cases longer.
Unlike an orgasm headache, another type of sex headache, known as a pre-orgasmic headache, comes on during arousal and may get worse as you get more aroused. It is a dull, persisting pain that is not as severe as an orgasm headache.
Both of these headaches are benign, meaning there is no underlying medical cause. In fact, anyone can get these headaches, but men are more likely to get them, along with those who already experience migraines.
While there is no known cause for orgasm headaches, we do know that when you orgasm, your blood pressure decreases while you heartbeat increases.
This causes dilation of the blood vessels in your head. In orgasm headache sufferers, these blood vessels dilate too large, causing a headache.
Treating An Orgasm Headache
Orgasm headaches go away on their own. However, there are ways to treat the pain, especially if your headaches last longer than a few minutes.
Keep in mind that these headaches tend to come in clusters and you can go weeks or months without an orgasm headache.
Painkillers: You can take an over-the-counter pain medication if an orgasm headache comes on. Also, talk to your doctor about other painkillers you can use. Alternatively, take one a half hour before you have sex.
Beta Blockers: This drug helps prevent orgasm headaches by reducing your blood pressure during sex and preventing adrenaline from being released. This, in turn, stabilizes your blood pressure and helps prevent an orgasm headache.
Migraine Meds: Ask your doctor about a prescription medication to treat migraines. This will also help prevent an orgasm headache from occurring.
The Bottom Line
Orgasm headaches are terrible to live with. They deter you from wanting to have sex and are a painful, frightening experience when you do.
Using the treatments can help ease or prevent these headaches. In the meantime, talk to your doctor, and if you experience any symptoms, such as a stiff neck or vomiting during an orgasm headache, seek immediate help.
