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“I’m still recovering from a really bad attack I got right after having sex with my husband Saturday night,” one MyMigraineTeam member said. “Does anyone else have this issue?”
Another member replied, “Yes, unfortunately, it’s been happening to me too.”
Sexual activity can trigger a migraine attack, but it doesn’t happen to everyone. Keep reading to discover the potential link, along with tips on when to contact your doctor.
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Sex isn’t among the most common migraine triggers, and experiences vary from one person to the next. In one study of people with migraine, about 5 percent of participants said sex was a migraine trigger for them.
One possible reason is that sex is a type of physical activity. For some people, any type of exercise can trigger a migraine attack. In fact, one study found that about 38 percent of participants said they experienced migraine attacks linked to exercise.
Health experts don’t know exactly why sex can trigger migraine attacks in some people. Physical effort, changes in heart rate and blood pressure, and tightening of the head and neck muscles may play a role.
Some people may experience headaches related to sex, even if they don’t have migraine. This is called a primary headache associated with sexual activity (PHASA). It may also be referred to as a sex headache.
A sex headache is one that only comes on during sex, when you have an orgasm, or right after sex.
These headaches can occur in two main ways:
Some people have both types at the same time. These headaches can last from just a few minutes to a few days. The pain can be severe, which may make it hard to distinguish between a migraine attack and a sex headache.
Having a history of migraine can put you at higher risk of sex headaches. Living with chronic migraine may also lead to more severe sex headaches.
Neurologists aren’t sure what causes sex headaches. But they think these headaches may be linked to increases in blood pressure and heart rate that occur during sexual excitement. Sex is a type of physical exertion, much as exercise is.
Sexual activity can cause the blood vessels in your brain to dilate (open wider). It may also cause muscles to tighten in your neck, head, and shoulders.
If you’ve never had a headache triggered by sex before, reach out to your doctor for evaluation after one occurs. It’s also important to contact your healthcare provider if the pain is severe.
A headache from sexual activity with any of the following features is likely to be linked to another cause besides sex:
Any time you have very severe head pain that doesn’t subside, you should go to the emergency department or call 911.
Your doctor can perform an exam and run tests to see whether your headache is related to sexual arousal or migraine. They may order imaging tests to take a closer look at your blood vessels and brain.
Your healthcare team will look at the results of these tests to confirm whether you’re dealing with something more serious, such as:
Once your neurology team or another healthcare provider pinpoints whether your sex headaches are linked to migraine or not, they’ll help you develop a treatment plan.
Your care team may also recommend ways to prevent headache pain linked to sexual activity or intercourse.
If you experience a sex headache that isn’t linked to migraine, you may be able to treat it with over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers, such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen.
If sexual activity triggers one of your usual migraine attacks, follow the treatment plan your healthcare provider gave you. Ask your provider what medication to take and when to take it.
Health experts suggest using prevention strategies if you tend to get headaches due to sexual activity. That’s because preventing headaches is easier than managing them once you’re already in pain.
The best way to prevent a headache linked to sex will depend on what specific factor is a trigger for you. Consider trying these methods:
Several MyMigraineTeam members have shared their experiences with migraine symptoms and sex.
“My chronic migraine attacks are continuing to get new symptoms and triggers, and the newest one is after sex (orgasm or not),” one member said. “One of my ears will start ringing, warning me a major migraine attack is getting ready to hit.”
Another member replied, “I have suffered from this, sometimes just praying for it to be over. My doctor tells me that we tense during sex in our shoulders, neck, and head due to anticipating what’s to come.”
Members have also shared the solutions that have worked for them. “I normally take some Excedrin Migraine and ice my shoulders and neck. I also use a migraine hat … that is my best friend,” one member said.
Another shared, “My husband and I found that positions where I’m not on my back seem to help as well.”
Don’t hesitate to reach out to your neurology team if you’re having migraine symptoms with sexual activity. They’re there to help you and can refer you to another provider, such as a sex therapist, if needed.
Together, you and your doctor can create a migraine treatment plan so you can get back to enjoying intimacy.
On MyMigraineTeam, people share their experiences with migraine, get advice, and find support from others who understand.
Does sexual activity trigger headaches for you? Let others know in the comments below.
Are your headaches a symptom of migraine? Get a quick assessment.
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