The ‘excruciating’ side effect plaguing women during sex

Ever felt a sore head coming on either during or just after sex? You’re not alone (Picture: Getty Images) Most of us would consider a particularly powerful orgasm to be a good thing. Your thighs might be shaking, your head clearer, or your stress levels dealt with. But some women are dealing with a rather more debilitating after-effect,impact, sometimes even necessitating an ibuprofen: the post-sex headache. Posting on the r/WomensHealth Subreddit, one user revealed they’ve experienced orgasm-induced headaches, particularly when going back-to-back for rounds two and three. She described it as the ‘worst headache’ of their life, which ‘felt like pounding all over my head for 30 minutes,’ while someone else described the pain as ‘explosive’ and ‘excruciating.’ They wrote: ‘The next day I could feel the headache creeping up as I got closer, so I stopped, and the pain was way duller but still there.’ Ask Metro Use AI to go deeper into the stories you care about – powered by Metro and trusted publications. Sarah Mulindwa, sexual health expert, tells Metro: ‘For some people these headaches feel like a dull ache or pressure around the head and neck that gradually becomes stronger as they approach orgasm. ‘For others, the pain can come on very suddenly at orgasm. The headache may disappear relatively quickly, although in some cases symptoms can persist for several hours.’ These headaches can develop either during or just after sex (Picture: Getty Images) Sign up to The Hook-Up, Metro's sex and dating newsletter Love reading juicy stories like this? Need some tips for how to spice things up in the bedroom? Sign up to The Hook-Up and we'll slide into your inbox every week with all the latest sex and dating stories from Metro. We can't wait for you to join us! Blood pressure and physical activity During sex, the body is dealing with a few different processes at once. Heart rate increases, as does blood pressure. The blood vessels respond to this cardiovascular activity by muscles, including around the head, neck, and shoulders, becoming tense. ‘That combination of increased physical exertion and muscle tension is thought to contribute, to headaches’ she says. In this sense, it’s not necessarily the orgasm itself causing the headache. Sarah adds: ‘Sex is a form of physical exertion, and for someone who is susceptible to exertion-related headaches, the physiological build-up towards orgasm may act as a trigger.’ Like many headaches, causes and triggers vary. ‘Some may be more sensitive to changes associated with physical exercise (sex included), or may already have a tendency towards headaches or migraines,’ says Sarah, who works with Lovehoney. Tiredness, stress, dehydration, alcohol consumption, or tension around the neck and shoulders can make someone more prone to developing a headache either during or after sex. The orgasm gap Female pleasure is shrouded in a considerable amount of myth and mystery. The Orgasm Gap continues to position women’s sexual fulfilment as ‘less than’ men’s – and this is rooted in biological and sociological misconceptions about women’s bodies. A 2022 study from YouGov found that women are much less likely to finish during intercourse, as just three in 10 (30%) reported orgasming every time they had partnered sex – compared to 61% of guys. That said, orgasm isn’t always the most important part of sex – and, sometimes, enjoying the journey along the way can hold just as much weight as the final destination. The role of hormones Clinical sexologist and psychotherapist Ness Cooper tells Metro that hormones can also be a contributing factor to sex headaches. During sex, a mixture of these hormones floods our bodies — some more than others. She explains: ‘Some people have sensitivities to spikes and dips (basically the rollercoaster of them occurring), such as sensitivities to prolactin and oestrogen. Fluctuating hormone levels can also play a role in sex headaches (Picture: Getty Images) ‘For some, it’s not an off-balance, but a sensitivity to these hormones which can be activated during orgasm, which can cause changes to the vascular system and then lead to headaches.’ The balance of serotonin can also become slightly off-kilter during and post-sex, which can increase the chance of developing a sore head. When these levels are off balance, that’s when headaches can flare up. Sex positions Sex positions can also come into it, too. Ness says: ‘Muscle weakness or certain positions can lead to muscle tension, and that can cause tension headaches. ‘Some women find going on top is less stable for them, while others may find doggy can move the body too much and cause tension. Any position which sees someone bear down on their pelvic floor may be related too.’ Sarah adds that positions where the head is held angling downwards for long periods of time can also contribute, so adjusting the level of support by either switching up the angle or adding in pillows can help. Those with a history of headaches can also be more prone, too. @learnatlauvette Disclaimer: This seggs headache content is meant to be a source of valuable information for the viewers; however, it is not a substitute for direct expert assistance. Please seek help from a medical professional if you have a recurring or severe case of this condition. ♬ Fall in Love Alone – Suleiman When to go to your GP? With all that in mind, Sarah emphasises the importance of speaking to a medical professional if you’re repeatedly experiencing sex-induced headaches. She urges: ‘Although many sex-related headaches are benign, a sudden, extremely severe headache during or immediately after orgasm should never automatically be assumed to be an orgasm headache. ‘If it’s the first time you’ve experienced an explosive headache, or particularly if the pain reaches maximum intensity within seconds or around a minute — you should seek urgent medical assessment. ‘The same applies if it’s accompanied by vomiting, confusion, fainting, weakness, problems with speech or vision, or a stiff neck. Deals of the Day Parents can save up to 30% on Kickers school shoes ahead of the new term The back-to-school hack that's helping parents avoid queues and sold-out sizes Could your hair be wavy rather than straight? This brand thinks so Could your star sign improve your skincare routine? This new beauty launch thinks so Best skincare for menopausal skin? This dermatologist-created treatment is tailored to you ‘While we shouldn’t frighten people who occasionally experience a mild headache after sex, a new, sudden and exceptionally severe headache is something that needs to be taken seriously.’ Do you have a story you’d like to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@metro.co.uk Arrow MORE: This ‘easy going’ response to a basic question could doom your relationship Arrow MORE: My ex lied to get me into bed – I don’t know if I can get over her again Arrow MORE: My date showed me something most people would find disgusting – I loved it The Hook Up Metro's hottest newsletter, with juicy stories and tips for spicing things up in the bedroom. 18+