A bizarre case is resurfacing to the light. Sex’s explosive effects gives a few more than those suffering have bargained for. Before recently, only two cases of orgasmic headaches (headaches occurring at the moment of climax and before) had been reported in teenagers.
These “sex-headaches” come in two varieties: one that is gradual as it builds up its intensity during sex, while the other occurs suddenly and very painfully during orgasm. It is unknown what exactly causes these aches, but the research has come with a fair share of speculation.
One idea states that muscle contraction during sex may be responsible for the gradual headache. Another idea is that blood vessels in the brain may be particularly sensitive and reactive to sex. What researchers DO know for sure is that about one percent of Americans have experienced a “primary sex-headache” at least once in their life. Half of those who suffer from this condition also regularly suffer from migraines.
Two new cases have now emerged in a 16-year-old boy and an 18-year-old girl. These new case reports outline both types. About three weeks before seeing the doctor, the girl started getting these headaches for the first time in her life. A minute before climax, she would feel a pressure building up in her head. When she reached orgasm, the ache would become unbearable.
The boy, on the other hand, would only experience pain at the moment of orgasm, but the pain was excruciating and was between 8 to 10 (ten being the highest). The pain would come regardless of position during love-making or whether it was actual intercourse or masturbation. His headaches went away after a few months. Hers occurred when she switched birth control, however doctors aren’t sure whether it is related. The possibility is being tested. Brain imaging (to rule out life-threatening conditions) revealed no abnormalities in these cases.
“What I wonder about is whether there are many other adolescents out there who are having this problem and aren’t telling anyone,” said Dr. Amy Gelfand, a neurologist at the University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine. “This is why pediatricians should be aware of this so an adolescent won’t have to raise the issue.” (Source: Discovery News)
If you are suffering from this “primary sex-headache”, you are not alone and there is good news. Headaches tend to go away after several months with some cases lasting a year. During this time, medication called indomethacin (similar to ibuprofen) keeps these headaches away if taken 30 minutes before intercourse.
The hope is to raise awareness.
