MUST READ: Do YOU get sex headaches? - they could be a sign of an underlying health problem

'Not tonight dear, I've got a headache' is the age-old excuse used by the fairer sex to avoid getting steamy between the sheets.

But scientists have now revealed it is men who are more likely to suffer from headaches following a night of passion.

Around one per cent of people experience headaches during or after sex, also known as ‘orgasmic cephalalgia’, at least once in.....
their lifetime.

But one U.S. headache expert says the true number is almost certainly higher – because people don’t want to admit they suffer from the affliction.

They can even be a warning sign of a life-threatening problem, says neurologist and headache specialist Dr Jose Biller.

Sex headaches are usually are caused by disorders such as migraines or tension, and are mostly harmless.

But in a small percentage of cases, they can be due to a serious underlying condition, such as a haemorrhage, brain aneurysm or even a stroke.

Dr Biller adds that men are three to four times more likely to experience headaches associated with sexual activity (or HAS, as it is known).

‘Many people who experience headaches during sexual activity are too embarrassed to tell their physicians and doctors often don't ask,' he said.

‘The headaches can be extremely painful and scary - but also very frustrating, both to the individual suffering the headache and to the partner.

Dr Biller, who is chair of the department of neurology at the Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, USA, says he has treated dozens of patients for HAS.

There are three main types, ranging from a dull ache right through to an extremely painful headache which gets worse when you stand up.

Some unlucky lovers also report suffering from a ‘thunderclap’ headache, that begins during orgasm and can last for hours.

One patient who was treated by Dr Biller said of the thunderclap: ‘All of a sudden, there was a terrific pain in the back of my head.

‘It like someone was hitting me with a hammer.’

Sexual activity is classed by experts as a mild-to moderate intensity exercise.

The ancient Greek physician Hippocrates first made the association between headaches, exercise and sexual activity.
And in 2004, the International Headache Society classified HAS as a distinct form of primary headache.

People can reduce their risk of sex headaches by exercising, avoiding excessive alcohol intake, keeping a healthy weight and counselling, Dr Biller added.

Depending on the type of headache, certain medications can help relieve the pain or even prevent the headache.

‘We recommend that patients undergo a thorough neurological evaluation to rule out secondary causes, which can be life-threatening,' Dr Biller said.

‘This is especially important when the headache is a first occurrence.'

-DM

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