One of the benefits of having sex is it relieves headaches. However, some people are experiencing the opposite as they have sex headaches. Experts call it cephalgia or in plain English headaches during or after sex.
This may sound paradoxical as sex is known to release endorphins. The brain releases this chemical that makes us feel good along with other beneficial neurotransmitters like oxytocin, serotonin and dopamine.
A sex headache can last from a few minutes to days. Some people may even experience migraines.
What Causes Sex Headaches?
Although most cases of sex headaches are harmless, experts are yet to discover its cause. However, Mayo Clinic says it could be a symptom of something serious on blood vessels feeding the brain.
The British Journal of Medical Practitioners says1 sex headaches affect 1% of the worlds population. Out of that one percent, men have a high share making men 3 to 4 times at risk of sex headaches.
On the other hand, the University of California, Sta. Barbara says that sex headaches are not actually triggered by sexual intercourse. Instead, an activity leading to orgasms like masturbation trigger sex headaches. In the U.K., one study finds that around 30% of patients with sex headaches experience it during masturbation in addition to sexual intercourse.
What To Do When To Prevent Sex Headaches?
Carolyn Dean, M.D., author of the book The Magnesium Miracle told SELF.COM that men are highly affected with this phenomenon as they exert a lot more during sex.
She also adds that magnesium deficiency could be a culprit. Plus, someone who has a history of migraines can be a risk factor for this painful phenomenon.
Hence, if you are dealing with headaches during sex, you might want to introduce magnesium-rich foods into your diet. There are a wide variety of magnesium-rich foods such as;
- Nuts like almonds and cashews
- Dark green leafy vegetables
- Avocadoes
- Whole grains
Furthermore, lifestyle modifications such as minimizing or avoiding alcohol can also be helpful. And, anything that can help maintain an ideal blood pressure including fasting is worth doing.
Lastly, don’t hesitate to visit and consult with your doctor. Although most of the time, headaches during sex can be benign, it is always a good idea to consult your doctor. You would never know something serious is causing it. With common sense, it is not normal especially if it happens every time you make love.