Sex Headaches – Diagnosis and Treatment

ByJanis Updated

Diagnosis

Scans for the Brain

To figure out the cause of sex headaches, doctors often start with detailed images of the brain.

A Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan often helps doctors check for anything unusual, such as a brain tumor, aneurysm, or signs of stroke. This test uses strong magnets to make clear pictures of the brain’s inside structures.

Doctors may also use a Computed Tomography (CT) Scan, especially when headaches begin very suddenly or are severe. The CT scan can quickly spot bleeding, structural problems, or other urgent causes of headache.

In some cases, doctors use angiography, either with MRI or CT, to look closely at blood vessels for signs of issues that might need urgent treatment.

Imaging Type What It Shows Used For
MRI Brain structures Tumors, aneurysms, stroke
CT Quick brain snapshots Bleeding, urgent issues
Angiography Blood vessels Vessel problems, blockages

Tests for Blood Vessels

Doctors can perform a cerebral artery imaging test to look closely at the arteries of the neck and brain. They guide a thin tube into a blood vessel and inject a dye.

X-ray pictures then show the shape and health of the blood vessels, helping to detect blocked or weakened spots that could cause secondary headaches.

Taking Fluid Near the Spine

Sometimes, doctors perform a lumbar puncture (spinal tap) if headaches start suddenly and scans look normal.

They take a small amount of fluid from around the brain and spinal cord and test it. This helps spot infections, hidden bleeding, or other serious causes for the headache.

Treatment

Regular Use Medicines

If a person experiences frequent sex headaches without another medical cause, doctors may suggest taking certain medicines daily to lower the chances of getting these headaches.

Doctors sometimes prescribe beta-blockers each day for people who have regular or severe attacks. These medications also treat high blood pressure and prevent migraines.

Another option is a calcium channel blocker. People with a history of migraines might also benefit from other migraine-preventing drugs.

Medicines Taken Before Sexual Activity

For those who do not need daily medicine, some options can be taken only as needed.

Doctors may suggest a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), or a triptan about an hour before sex to help prevent headaches. Some people may also try ibuprofen or aspirin for pain relief.

Doctors may also recommend staying hydrated, using biofeedback, trying acupuncture, or physical therapy, especially if medicine alone does not work.

Getting Ready for Your Visit

Steps You Can Take Before Your Appointment

Being prepared can help make the visit more productive. Here are a few things individuals can do ahead of time:

  • Check for any instructions. Some appointments may require certain steps before arriving, like skipping a meal or not taking specific medicines.
  • Write down all symptoms. List every symptom noticed, even those that might not seem linked to headaches during sexual activity or around orgasm.
  • List key personal and family details. Note any past illnesses, hospital stays, stress, big life changes, or family health history—especially anyone with headaches, migraines, or neurological issues.
  • Make a medication table:
Name of Medicine Dosage How Often Reason for Use
  • Bring support: It may help to bring a friend or relative. They can help remember details or offer another point of view.
  • Plan your questions: Having a written list can make sure all topics are covered during the visit.

Potential questions include:

  • What might be causing these headache symptoms?
  • What tests might be needed?
  • Are these headaches a short-term or lifelong issue?
  • How can this condition be managed with other health problems?
  • Should another specialist, like a neurologist, be involved?
  • Are there side effects with the treatment options?

How Your Healthcare Provider Will Guide the Visit

During the visit, your provider will focus on understanding the pattern and causes of headaches happening with sexual activity. Expect these topics:

  • Timeline and Triggers: Your provider may ask when the first headache started, if it came on fast or slow, and whether it happened before or after orgasm.
  • Symptoms: Details about pain level, location, and any other symptoms (such as vision issues or muscle weakness) are important.
  • Type of Headaches: If you have experienced other headache types, such as migraines, sharing this information helps your provider figure out the risk factors and type of headaches.
  • Family History: Your provider will want to know if close relatives also have headaches, migraines, or headaches connected to sexual activity.
  • What Helps or Worsens the Pain: Your provider may ask what actions make symptoms better or worse.

Clear answers to these questions help your provider suggest tests, give advice, or refer you to a specialist such as a neurologist if needed.


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Health Writer

Janis's areas of expertise include nutrition, exercise, stress management, and mental health. She is passionate about educating and empowering people to take control of their health and make positive changes that can last a lifetime. Janis believes that small, sustainable changes are the key to long-term success, and she works with her clients to develop personalized plans that fit their individual needs and lifestyles.