Sex-induced headaches are a fairly rare occurrence; many men go through life without experiencing a single instance of this annoyance and so don’t need to recognize the signs associated with them. However, they do occur, and for some men they occur frequently, so having information on the subject is not a bad idea. Although the headache is not directly related to penis health, its association with sexual activity makes it worth considering as part of a man’s general sexual health maintenance routine.

What are they?

Sex-induced headaches (more commonly known as sex headaches) are headaches that occur shortly before, during or shortly after orgasm. They generally fall into three categories:

- Gradual sex headaches start slowly and may be barely noticeable initially. They often begin as a dull ache, typically located on both sides of the head. The pain tends to intensify as a man gets closer to ejaculating; as it does so, the neck and the jaw may become tight and tense.

- Sudden sex-induced headaches are much more direct in their approach. With these headaches, the onset is quite abrupt, usually hitting a man very near the time that he ejaculates. This headache tends to be characterized by intense stabbing pain beginning with almost no warning.

- Positionally-related sex headaches are those that occur when a person stands up after having engaged in sex while lying or sitting down. This is more likely to occur in people who are prone to getting slightly dizzy when going from sitting or lying to standing.

The statistics available on sex headaches are sketchy, but approximately one percent of people report having experienced sex headaches at one time or another; however, it is likely that the incidence is underreported, especially when the headaches are mild in intensity and/or short in duration.

Sex headaches can be brought on by any form of sexual activity, including masturbation.

Are they dangerous?

In most cases, sex headaches are mild and not dangerous; they are simply the body reacting to its environment during a specific sexual moment. In some cases, however, a sex headache may be a symptom of another issue that is more serious, such as stroke, coronary artery disease or infection. If a man has any concern, he should always check with his doctor to determine if an underlying condition may be present.

Treatment

If a man experiences frequent sex headaches, there are steps he can take to prevent them from occurring. The good news is that cutting down on sex is not one of these steps. The better news is that increasing the amount of sex is one of them.

That said, a man needs to make some changes as he increases the amount of sex he has. The idea is to bump up the frequency a little but turn down the intensity. It’s believed that strenuous sex contributes to sex-induced headaches, so partners should devise ways by which the headache-prone male has less work to do while having sex. For example, if the missionary position is typically employed, trying a variety of woman-on-top positions can reduce the physical stress that the affected male encounters.

In some instances, a doctor may prescribe medication that can help to decrease the likelihood of sex headaches.

Men are more likely than women to experience sex-induced headaches, and intense ones can have a negative impact on a man’s sex life. Knowing the signs can help a man take preventive steps - just as knowing how to take steps against common penile issues can improve a man’s sex life. Chief among these steps is the regular use of a high-quality penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil). The penis that is cursed with dry or flaky skin needs the hydrating power of a crème with reliable moisturizers like Shea butter and vitamin E. Since men often experience diminished sensitivity in the tool, especially when it is used frequently, it’s also advisable to apply a crème that includes acetyl L-carnitine, which helps address peripheral nerve damage in the penis.