For most men, the aftermath of sexual activity is at least a few minutes of physical relaxation. They might lie in bed with a smile before they drift off into dreamland. But for some, the aftermath of any sort of sexual activity is severe head pain. Even with the best penis care and attention to overall health, sex headaches can appear out of the blue and wreak havoc on a man’s life. Here’s what he needs to know about this fortunately rare problem.

What are sex headaches?

Sex headaches are exactly what they sound like: Headaches that occur during or right after sexual activity. For some people, the headaches appear as soon as they become aroused, which means the headache might actually begin before any sexual activity has taken place. For others, it happens during, in the heat of the moment. For others, everything is fine until the orgasm is over, and then the sex headache hits with a vengeance.

For some men, it’s an annoying problem that can be remedied with an over-the-counter pain reliever. But for others, it’s a serious problem that can bring them to their knees - literally and figuratively.

What causes sex headaches?

As with most sexual mysteries, doctors aren’t sure what causes the pain of sex headaches. Some believe the pain is tied to increased intracranial pressure, which can occur as blood pressure and heart rate rise - both things that tend to happen during sex. Intense muscle contractions throughout the body might also be the culprit, especially if the pain happens at the moment of orgasm or shortly after it.

Doctors do know that the problem is three times more likely in men than in women. People who have a history of migraines are also more likely to have a sex headache.

What can a man do?

In most cases, a sex headache is mild and will quickly go away. In fact, some men will develop a headache for a few minutes, and it will subside very quickly after the initial burst of pain. In other cases, the headache will linger but can be treated with an over-the-counter medication.

Some unfortunate souls will experience a debilitating headache that makes it impossible for them to continue with sexual activity, or most other activities, for that matter. Headaches that are truly debilitating or intensely painful might even keep a man from pursuing sexual activity of any kind, thanks to the pain that will come along with it.

In this case, it’s important to visit a physician who specializes in migraines. The doctor will likely want to run a few tests to make sure there are no problems with the blood vessels in the brain, or the blood flow through the body. Assuming all is well on that front, a man with sex headaches might be prescribed heavy-duty medicine that tempers the pain or prevents it altogether.

There is one important rule to remember: A man who suffers a sudden, intense pain during or after sexual activity, and he has never had that pain before, should consult with the doctor as soon as possible. If the sudden pain is the worst pain he has ever felt, he should call for an ambulance. That’s because in some very rare cases, the problem is not a sex headache, but rather, an issue with the blood vessels in the brain.

Strive for the best penis health

Though a man who suffers from sex headaches might not be able to do much to avoid the problem, he should focus on the things he certainly can control. One of those is good penis health. The use of a top-notch penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin) can help ensure that his penis is ready for action at all times. For the best of health, a man should look for a crème that contains a multitude of vitamins and nutrients, as well as vitamin E and a Shea butter base - these high-end ingredients are known for keeping skin smooth and supple.