Severe Head Pain During Orgasm: Causes and Concerns Explained

Severe headache during orgasm or ejaculation?

Hello, doctor.
I am a 30-year-old male currently weighing 107 kg.
I do not smoke or drink alcohol, and I have no history of hypertension or diabetes, although there are related patients in my family.
On the evening of August 18th, while masturbating, I suddenly experienced severe pain in my head at the moment of ejaculation.
After the peak of the pain subsided, I still felt a certain degree of pressure and pain in my scalp, behind my eyes, and in my neck.
It took some time before the pain lessened.
Initially, I did not think much of it until it happened again during a late-night masturbation session last Sunday.
It felt like a pleasurable sensation rushing up my spine to my cervical spine, which suddenly turned into a tight, intense pain that felt like it was exploding in my head, which was quite uncomfortable.
Afterward, I only had a headache with no other discomfort, no vomiting or dizziness, and my consciousness was clear and emotions stable.
However, upon waking the next day, I still felt some pressure and tightness in my head and neck.

Out of concern, I researched and learned about coital cephalalgia.
I have no sexual experience, and I have not experienced any head injuries or trauma recently.
The next morning, I measured my blood pressure at home, and it was within the normal range.
Regarding my lifestyle, I exercise regularly, working out on a stationary bike for over 40 minutes at least five times a week, and I maintain a light diet, rarely consuming sugary drinks.
My weight has decreased significantly from 116-117 kg last October.
However, since I turned 25, my frequency of masturbation has decreased, sometimes going over a month without it.
Recently, I have been under some life stress and have been going to bed later, and I wonder if this is related.

Although I currently feel fine, I am worried that it could be a sign of something more serious, such as a cerebral aneurysm, intracranial hemorrhage, or the potential for a stroke.
I also do not want to worry my family and am unsure whether I should seek immediate medical attention, fearing that I may need to undergo large-scale examinations like a CT scan or MRI.
I hope you can help clarify my concerns.
Thank you!

A-Ming, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/08/28

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology

Based on your description, the most common cause is tension-type headache.
The symptoms of tension-type headache include: (1) Typically bilateral, located in the occipital and parietal regions, with pain sometimes being widespread.
The nature of the pain is dull, aching, with a sensation of pressure or tightness, and it is non-pulsating.
There may be tightness and stiffness in the occipital-cervical area, which is more pronounced when turning the neck, with intensity ranging from mild to moderate.
(2) There are tender points in the muscles at the site of pain, and sometimes pulling on the scalp can also cause pain.
The muscles may feel stiff, and one or more nodules, referred to as myofascial trigger points, may be palpable.
(3) The headache does not interfere with daily activities; for instance, walking or climbing stairs does not exacerbate the pain.
(4) Fatigue, tension, excitement, anxiety, insomnia, or depression can worsen the headache.
Pain may be triggered by flexion and extension of the head.
As for the thunderclap headache you mentioned, it is generally characterized by severe headache with the following two features: 1.
Sudden onset, reaching maximum intensity in less than one minute.
2.
Lasting from one hour to ten days, with irregular recurrences in the following weeks or months.
It is still recommended that you visit a neurology clinic for further examination and follow-up.
Wishing you good health and peace.
Dr.
Jiang from Taoyuan Medical Center cares about you.

Reply Date: 2019/08/28

More Info

Severe head pain during orgasm, often referred to as "orgasmic headache" or "coital cephalalgia," can be a concerning symptom for many individuals. Your experience of sudden, intense head pain during ejaculation, followed by a lingering sensation of pressure in the head and neck, is not uncommon but should be taken seriously, especially given your concerns about potential underlying conditions.

Understanding Orgasmic Headaches
Orgasmic headaches can occur in two main forms: primary and secondary. Primary orgasmic headaches are typically benign and occur without any underlying medical condition. They can be triggered by the physical exertion associated with sexual activity, including the increase in blood pressure and heart rate. Secondary orgasmic headaches, on the other hand, may indicate a more serious underlying issue, such as vascular problems or neurological conditions.

Possible Causes
1. Vascular Changes: During sexual arousal and orgasm, there is a significant increase in blood flow and blood pressure. This can lead to a sudden headache, particularly if there are pre-existing vascular issues.

2. Tension and Stress: Given that you mentioned experiencing increased life stress and changes in your sleep patterns, tension headaches could also be a contributing factor. Stress can lead to muscle tension in the neck and scalp, which may exacerbate headache symptoms during orgasm.

3. Cervical Spine Issues: If there are any underlying issues with your cervical spine, such as muscle strain or nerve compression, these could also manifest as headaches during physical exertion.

4. Other Neurological Concerns: While less common, it is essential to rule out serious conditions such as aneurysms or other vascular malformations, especially since you have a family history of related health issues.

When to Seek Medical Attention
Given your symptoms and concerns, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional, particularly a neurologist. While your symptoms may be benign, it is crucial to rule out any serious conditions. A thorough evaluation may include:
- Neurological Examination: To assess your overall neurological health.

- Imaging Studies: Such as a CT scan or MRI, to check for any structural abnormalities in the brain or blood vessels.

- Blood Pressure Monitoring: To ensure that your blood pressure remains within a normal range, especially during episodes of headache.

Management and Prevention
If your headaches are determined to be primary and benign, management strategies may include:
- Relaxation Techniques: Stress management through techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, or yoga can help reduce tension and the frequency of headaches.

- Regular Exercise: Continuing your exercise routine can improve overall vascular health and reduce stress.

- Hydration and Nutrition: Maintaining good hydration and a balanced diet can also play a role in headache prevention.

- Sleep Hygiene: Improving your sleep patterns can help reduce the frequency of tension headaches.

Conclusion
While your symptoms may be alarming, they are not uncommon, and many individuals experience similar issues. However, due to your family history and the nature of your headaches, it is essential to seek medical advice to ensure that there are no underlying health concerns. Early intervention can provide peace of mind and appropriate management strategies to improve your quality of life.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Occipital Headaches: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help

Hello doctor, about a week ago, I experienced a sudden tightening pain in the back of my head while masturbating before bed. The pain stopped when I ceased the activity. The next day, I repeated the same behavior and felt the pain again, but it was less intense than the first day...

Dr. Gao Chunde reply Neurology
This is a rare type of headache known as sexual headache, which occurs during sexual activity, masturbation, or orgasm. Individuals who experience this type of headache may not have it every time they engage in these activities, and the headache typically diminishes within a few ...

Understanding Pain in the Back of the Head During Excitement: When to Seek Help

Hello Doctor, two weeks ago during sexual intercourse with my girlfriend, I experienced a sharp pain in the back of my left head that lasted for about 10 minutes. After that, I felt relief. In the following two weeks, I have noticed that this sensation reoccurs during sexual acti...

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology
Hello: "Headaches associated with sexual activity" may need to rule out some structural lesions such as subarachnoid hemorrhage due to ruptured cerebral aneurysm, arterial dissection, cerebral vasospasm, or brain tumors. If the examination results are normal, one may co...

Understanding Severe Headaches After Masturbation: Causes and Solutions

Once I finished masturbating, I suddenly experienced a severe headache. The next day, it was gone. However, I haven't been able to masturbate lately because just when I'm about to finish, I suddenly get a headache like the last time. Moreover, I'm only 18 years old...

Dr. Lin Zijing reply Neurology
This condition may be referred to as orgasmic headache, which is classified as a benign headache of unknown origin. Although the patient experiences headache, the pain is unrelated to migraines or intracranial hemorrhage. There are two basic patterns of this type of headache: one...

Understanding Sexual Activity-Related Headaches: When to Seek Medical Help

Experiencing severe headaches during sexual activity, followed by occasional pain in the back of the head, and having headaches even without sexual activity, warrants a medical evaluation. It is advisable to consult a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause and ...

Dr. Gao Chunde reply Neurology
It's better to be cautious with this type of headache. Once common dangerous issues are ruled out, you can feel more at ease.