If you were wondering, does sex help with headaches?

Photo: geoalexia1079/ Pinterest

When asking whether orgasms help with headaches, it's important to note that, while they may be helpful for some people, they're not a universal cure. For others, sexual activity can actually make headaches worse.

A 2013 study found that sexual activity can bring partial or complete headache relief in some people with migraines and some with severe, "cluster" headaches.

Although the cause of this phenomenon remains unclear, some researchers suggest that the burst of endorphins and other hormones after an orgasm may spontaneously relieve headaches.

A more recent review of the literature suggested that, for some people, orgasm can trigger migraines or cluster headaches. This condition is known as "sexual headaches" or "orgasmic headaches."

What scientific research says about orgasms and headaches

For some people, orgasm can trigger or relieve headaches, and scientists aren't yet sure why. According to a 2013 study published in Cephalalgia, the results varied depending on the type of headache:

Migraine: Of 380 people with migraines, 33% experienced worsening of symptoms during sex, while 60% reported improvement. Of those who did improve, 70% experienced complete relief.

Cluster headaches: Out of 480 people, 50% had worsening symptoms and 37% had improvement during sex.

Men were more likely than women to experience pain relief during sex, and many of them viewed sex and orgasm as a “therapeutic tool.”

How does orgasm work?

Orgasm is the sudden release of sexual arousal, involving involuntary and rhythmic contractions in the pelvic area.

Anatomically, orgasm begins with the activation of nerves around the spine in the lower back and buttocks. Orgasm ends with the release of hormones like oxytocin and endorphins, which help calm and relax after climax.

How orgasm can help with headaches

The science behind orgasm is complex, and its impact on headaches remains unclear. However, it is thought to involve a complex interaction of spinal nerves and hormones released during climax.

Oxytocin and endorphins, both produced by the pituitary gland and hypothalamus in the brain, influence the perception of pain. Endorphins in particular are known for their pain-relieving powers, and studies show that migraine sufferers are often deficient in them. This may explain why some headaches suddenly ease during an orgasm.

Orgasms during masturbation can have the same effect as those during sexual intercourse.

How can an orgasm make a headache worse?

For some people, sexual activity can trigger headaches.

One form is a benign exertional headache, common during vigorous physical activity, including sex. These headaches are mild, temporary, and caused by the sudden dilation of blood vessels in the head.

Other, more serious forms are sexual or orgasmic headaches, which manifest with severe pain in the head and neck during sexual intercourse.

Characteristics of these pains include:

- Appear during or only during sex;

- The pain increases with sexual arousal, occurs at the moment of orgasm, or both;

- Severe episodes can last up to 24 hours, while milder ones can last up to 72 hours;

- More common in men.

Words from doctors

Although it's not a formal form of treatment, it's possible that an orgasm can relieve headaches. Studies are limited, but the release of hormones like endorphins and oxytocin may help improve pain.

However, remember that it is not a solution for everyone. If you have any doubts, consult your doctor.

^{Source: Verywell Health}